PaleoPro™and PaleoGIS™ FAQs and User Manuals
General FAQs
What is the difference between PaleoPro and PaleoGIS?
PaleoPro and PaleoGIS both provide the same functionality, but PaleoPro is add-in for use in ArcGIS Pro and PaleoGIS is an extension for use in ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap).
How do I purchase PaleoPro/PaleoGIS?
To purchase a PaleoPro or PaleoGIS licenses contact us at 713-952-5355, ext. 10 or sales@rothwellgroup.com.
What version of ArcGIS Pro do I need to run PaleoPro?
PaleoPro is currently available for ArcGIS Pro version 3.0.x and later. If you are using an earlier version, please contact us at support@rothwellgroup.com.
What version of ArcGIS Desktop do I need to run PaleoGIS?
PaleoPro is currently available for ArcGIS Desktop versions 10.5.x through 10.8.x.
What is the PaleoPro/PaleoGIS Software License Agreement?
The PaleoPro software license agreement can be found here.
Do I need to buy data in order to use PaleoPro/PaleoGIS?
PaleoPro and PaleoGIS require the use of third-party plate models to operate. A number of commercial and academic plate models are available for purchase from their respective vendors. In addition, four demonstration (“demo”) plate models are included with PaleoPro and PaleoGIS, so you have the opportunity to use PaleoPro/PaleoGIS before purchasing additional models. Please note that The Rothwell Group does not build or maintain any plate models for use with PaleoPro or PaleoGIS.
What is the difference between demo plate models and the full versions?
The differences depend on the plate model. Generally, demo models are either older versions of the model or they include fewer sub-plates, or a truncated age range relative to their full-production versions. The exception is the EarthByte Seton et al. (2012) model which is a full, open-source model. Full versions of the other three demo models are available for purchase from their respective vendors.
What is a tectonic plate model?
A tectonic plate model illustrates the movement of Earth’s plates over a specified span of geologic history. Each model is different because it incorporates the findings of scientific research on various regions and/or ages, as determined by the institution that published the model. Because research is on-going, published plate models are generally updated on a regular basis.
Plate models consist of two main parts:
1. A map of the present-day tectonic plates, with varying levels of detail depending on the model
2. A table or tables of “poles of rotation” which define each plate’s location at various ages over the time span of the model. When a plate model is “reconstructed” to an age selected by the user, PaleoPro moves all the plates to their paleo-locations based on the model’s rotation table(s).
PaleoPro models are contained in Esri file geodatabases (.gdb file extension), and PaleoGIS models are contained in Esri personal geodabases (.mdb file extension)
Technical FAQs
Why are the controls on the PaleoPro ribbon menu grayed out?
In order for PaleoPro to be enabled:
1. PaleoPro must be licensed. Please contact us at support@rothwellgroup.com for assistance with licensing issues.
2. A plate model must be loaded.
3. A map titled “Present Day” must exist in the ArcGIS Pro session.
Why are the PaleoGIS toolbars grayed out?
In order for PaleoGIS to be enabled:
1. The PaleoGIS extension must be turned on in the ArcMap Extensions.
2. The PaleoGIS: Basic Functions toolbar must be visible.
3. A valid PaleoGIS license file must be located in the PaleoGIS installation directory, at C:\Program Files (x86)\Rothwell\PaleoGIS\.
Can PaleoGIS plate models be used in PaleoPro?
No. PaleoPro models are contained in file geodatabases, as opposed to the personal geodatabase models used in PaleoGIS. There are other differences as well, such as how the model symbology is stored and different model settings. Please refer to the next FAQ for information about converting PaleoGIS models to PaleoPro format.
How do I get PaleoPro plate models if my current models are in PaleoGIS format?
You have three options:
1. Contact your plate model vendors to request their models in PaleoPro format.
2. Use the PaleoPro Model Converter tool in PaleoGIS v5.0 in ArcGIS 10.5.x through 10.8.x to convert your models to PaleoPro format.
3. Contact us at support@rothwellgroup.com and we will convert your models for you.
Please note that simply copying the contents of a PaleoGIS plate model into a file geodatabase will not result in a model that works in PaleoPro.
Do PaleoPro and PaleoGIS support deformation?
Yes! Both PaleoPro and PaleoGIS support deformation.
Do PaleoPro and PaleoGIS support plate model editing?
Yes! Both PaleoPro and PaleoGIS support plate model editing.
What information should I include in my support request emails?
Please include all of the following information to help us to diagnose the problem as quickly as possible:
1. A brief description of the problem and what feature of PaleoPro/PaleoGIS you were using when it occurred.
2. The ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) version you are using.
3. The PaleoPro/PaleoGIS version using are using.
4. What operating system are you are using (Windows 10 or 11).
5. Reconstruction/analysis information:
– Name of the plate model you were using when the error occurred.
– Reconstruction age or analysis parameters.
– Which “fixed” plate you were using, if any.
6. Information about user layers:
– Type of user layers (point, line, polygon or raster) you were reconstructing, if any.
Anything special about the user layers (e.g., vector layers with large numbers of features, very large rasters, etc.).
7. A screenshot of the error window that appears.
8. Expand the “Details” section of the error window, then copy and paste the details into your email.
9. Screenshots of reconstruction/analysis results, if applicable.