# Cross-database Search

## **Video**

{% embed url="<https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1MSLtzmEzQ/?vd_source=a500143a702213ffbc3607d6218fdcc9>" %}

## **What is Cross-database Search?**

<figure><img src="https://4124060786-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK08cTFjh43KgZsdlUoCT%2Fuploads%2FF412tmMZPdkzY7XsKsak%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=327da7f6-d317-496c-8dae-b2ce55df16d8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The **Cross-database Search** function allows users to search across several integrated geological databases using unified spatial, temporal, and keyword-based filters. This feature significantly enhances data accessibility by aggregating distributed resources into a single query interface.

Currently, the following databases are integrated:

* **PBDB (Paleobiology Database)**
* **Macrostrat**
* **GeoLexicon**
* **Climate-sensitive Lithofacies Data**

Each dataset is marked with metadata explaining the structure and type of data entries available.

## **Performing a Search**

<figure><img src="https://4124060786-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK08cTFjh43KgZsdlUoCT%2Fuploads%2FWPx3IXn2W6N26gROb8ma%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4c2501ef-407f-4df7-8e51-6446337c2967" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To conduct a search, follow these steps:

1. **Enter a keyword**\
   For example, input `limestone` to search for lithological entries containing this term.
2. **Select a time range**\
   You can choose a predefined interval, such as the **Phanerozoic** (approx. 540–0 Ma).
3. **Choose a spatial mode**\
   The platform supports three types of spatial constraints:

   * Search by Area
   * Search by Basin
   * Search by Plate

   In this example, we use the **global extent** for maximum coverage.
4. **Click "Search"**\
   The system will query all connected databases simultaneously. Processing time may vary depending on the volume of data.

## **Interpreting the Results**

<figure><img src="https://4124060786-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK08cTFjh43KgZsdlUoCT%2Fuploads%2FHO1JSsNbmpQiJBQjCBlH%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3773cb08-7e05-4315-9313-8d564cbda37e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once the results are returned, you will see a summary of matching records from each database.

* For example:
  * **PBDB**: \~57,000 entries with `limestone` lithology
  * **Macrostrat**: \~8,600 entries
  * **GeoLexicon**: \~800 entries

These results are listed with relevant attribute fields such as formation names, time intervals, lithology descriptions, etc.

## **Adding Results to the Globe**

<figure><img src="https://4124060786-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK08cTFjh43KgZsdlUoCT%2Fuploads%2FrybqudeSjkwY3x8ydpom%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1bec9431-a154-4d0a-933e-8de71ec3dd59" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click **“Add to Layer”** to visualize the search results on the digital globe.

* Each database result will appear as a separate layer.
* You can configure the **symbol size** and **color** in the Layer panel for better clarity.

<figure><img src="https://4124060786-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK08cTFjh43KgZsdlUoCT%2Fuploads%2FM4MEebEoH4NHsvxEqk82%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7751135b-0b55-40b5-9789-98af694f4d76" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Use the **Time Slider** to view how data points evolve over geological time. If a paleomap background (e.g., Cretaceous) is active, it can provide better visual context during plate movements.

Clicking on any data point reveals its **detailed attributes** in the **Information Viewer** panel.

## **Exporting Results**

<figure><img src="https://4124060786-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK08cTFjh43KgZsdlUoCT%2Fuploads%2F1ZYBJvU3qD1CuIPCFjAh%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=48e3309d-be64-4380-9faf-07c92c058889" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can export search results for further analysis:

* Click **Export Layer**
* Choose a geological time (e.g., 70 Ma) to **calculate paleocoordinates**
* The output will include reconstructed paleolatitude and paleolongitude for each data point at the specified age.

After processing, the exported file (CSV format) will contain all attributes along with calculated paleo-positions.\
For instance, exporting PBDB's `limestone` data at 70 Ma may yield over **57,000 records** with ancient coordinates.

## **Summary**

The Cross-database Search function allows users to explore, visualize, and export geological information from multiple global databases with ease. It supports robust temporal and spatial queries, offers dynamic visualization, and facilitates paleogeographic research at scale.