Macrostrat's map interface is the primary tool to interact with our harmonized multiscale geologic map. This guide tours its capabilities; the changelog records when each arrived.
Save your place
The map's view orientation, focused position, and filters can be saved for later and loaded on demand. This allows easy sharing of specific geologic features with others. The Copy link button at the top of the info panel allows easy access to this feature.
Dark mode
The map has a Dark mode with a matching map style. This is enabled by default if your system's "preferred color scheme" is set to dark, but it can be toggled on and off from the Settings panel.
Globe projection
The map interface is based on an orthographic (globe) projection at low zoom levels. This display is intuitive and accurate, but it cannot show all continents at once. To switch back to a Mercator projection, click the map button in the bottom right of the map interface.
3D terrain
When zoomed to a localized area, the map can be rotated to 3D by pressing the 3D button that appears in the bottom right corner of the map. Drag while right-clicking the mouse to adjust the view orientation. Click the compass at the bottom right corner to return to a north-up, overhead view.
Map filters
The map can be searched and filtered by geologic criteria including formation names, lithology types, and time intervals.
Primary literature
The xDD machine-reading system provides links to papers relevant to specific units and map areas.
Linked map and stratigraphic legend
Clicking the map reports location-specific data sourced from geologic maps and stratigraphic columns.
Geologic layers
Additional layers such as Macrostrat columns, PBDB fossil collections, and satellite imagery can be overlaid on the geologic map.
Elevation profile
In Elevation profile mode, click two points on the map to create an elevation profile between them. This capability is a placeholder for in-development 3D cross-section functionality.
Fossil collections
Detailed information about PBDB fossil collections can be found in the info panel.
