Geographic distribution of fossil specimens in UVM's natural history collection

Presenter's Name(s)

Erin Troiano

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

Abstract only.

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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.