Geographic distribution of fossil specimens in UVM's natural history collection
Abstract
By March 23rd, 2025, 4,095 fossil records in UVM's Natural History Collection were digitized. Digestible geographic data, like maps and graphs, enhances the collection’s research potential. I extracted necessary columns from the main spreadsheet and condensed them into usable totals. I mapped in ArcGIS and graphed with google sheets. Records span 31 counties. A majority are from the United States. Within the US, most fossils are from Vermont. Numerous entries do not have recorded locations. The collection is moderately diverse. Using the data for analysis reveals human entering errors that need to be corrected before the data are usable.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Ellen Martinsen
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Geography
Primary Research Category
Physical Science
Geographic distribution of fossil specimens in UVM's natural history collection
By March 23rd, 2025, 4,095 fossil records in UVM's Natural History Collection were digitized. Digestible geographic data, like maps and graphs, enhances the collection’s research potential. I extracted necessary columns from the main spreadsheet and condensed them into usable totals. I mapped in ArcGIS and graphed with google sheets. Records span 31 counties. A majority are from the United States. Within the US, most fossils are from Vermont. Numerous entries do not have recorded locations. The collection is moderately diverse. Using the data for analysis reveals human entering errors that need to be corrected before the data are usable.
