1.1. The Aim of this Manual
1.2. Introducing GPlates
1. Introduction to GPlates
The GPlates user manual aims to provide the reader with an almost complete understanding of the operations,
applications and manipulations within GPlates software. The manual is divided into chapters based on function and
tasks.
For example, a step-by-step guide to loading data into GPlates can be found in Loading and Saving; an overview of
editing the geometries of features can be found in Editing Geometries.
GPlates is desktop software for the interactive visualisation of plate-tectonics.
GPlates offers a novel combination of interactive plate-tectonic reconstructions, geographic information system
(GIS) functionality and raster data visualisation. GPlates enables both the visualisation and the manipulation of plate-
tectonic reconstructions and associated data through geological time. GPlates runs on Windows, Linux and MacOS
X.
1.2.1. What is a Plate-Tectonic Reconstruction?
The motions of tectonic plates through geological time may be described and simulated using plate-tectonic
reconstructions. Plate-tectonic reconstructions are the calculations of the probable positions, orientations and
motions of tectonic plates through time, based upon the relative (plate-to-plate) positions of plates at various times in
the past which may be inferred from other data. Geological, geophysical and paleo-geographic data may be attached
to the simulated plates, enabling a researcher to trace the motions and interactions of these data through time.
1.2.2. The Goals of GPlates
to handle and visualise data in a variety of geometries and formats, including raster data
to link plate kinematics to geodynamic models
to serve as an interactive client in a grid-computing network
to facilitate the production of high-quality paleo-geographic maps.
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