Fossils, like historical maps, are relics of a past we can still learn from today. They capture a snapshot in time of Earth as it once was. Through study, we can unlock details about the organisms, climate, and geography of our planet in the distant past. And few fossils capture our imagination quite like those of the dinosaurs who lived millions of years ago.
This interactive map from Warren Davison at Esri highlights some places where dinosaur fossils have been found. Dinosaurs have been found on every continent, including Antarctica. This map provides a deeper dive into some of those discoveries.
Each fossil location includes the name of the species discovered. You can also explore a stylized sketch of the species’ skull and learn more about both the species and the fossil. The map chronicles fossils for 14 dinosaur species discovered between 1861 and 2014.
Along the way, custom sketches, animations, and fonts draw readers in. The overall structure echoes the process of an archaeologist digging deeper to uncover some new detail or insight. Explainers of the fossilization process and the evolution of Earth’s land masses both educate and delight. The result is an engaging experience that’s as much fun as it is informative.
More to Explore
- Dig deep into a map of Earth’s ancient past.
- Learn how climate change is leading to the discoveries of new dinosaur fossils.
