Time Machine: The Next-generation Platform for Paleogeographic Reconstruction

​​Time Machine​​ is an innovative web-based platform designed to revolutionize paleogeographic reconstruction by integrating real-time tectonic modeling, dynamic visualization, and cross-disciplinary data interoperability. Built on Unity3D and WebAssembly technologies, it enables researchers to perform GPU-accelerated plate reconstructions, visualize time-dependent paleogeographic atlases, and analyze Earth's evolution through deep time - all within a browser environment.

Access Portal

🌍Production Environment
https://deeptime.world/TimeMachine/

💻 ​​Local Application​​
Beta v1.1.0 version

User Mannual

https://docs.deeptime.world/

Key Features

• 🚀 ​​Real-time plate reconstruction​​ with GPU-accelerated rasterization for rapid plate ID assignment
• 🌐 ​​Web-based 3D visualization​​ of global plate models and paleogeographic maps across geological timescales
• 📊 ​​Spatiotemporal framework​​ managing both spatial features and temporal attributes (1400 Ma to present)
• 🔍 ​​Cross-database integration​​ of paleontological, stratigraphic, and geochemical datasets (PBDB, Macrostrat, etc.)
• 📈 ​​Dynamic evolution charts​​ for quantitative analysis of paleoclimate, topography, and environmental changes
• ☁️ ​​Cloud-based project system​​ ensuring reproducible research with version-controlled workflows

Supported Data

• 5+ global plate models (PALEOMAP, MERDITH2021, MULLER2022, etc.)
• Time-dependent raster atlases (PaleoDEMs, paleoclimate models)
• Custom spreadsheet upload with temporal metadata support

Use Cases

• Cretaceous paleogeographic reconstruction with fossil data integration
• Paleotopography evolution analysis through Geologic Time

Repository Purpose

This GitHub repository hosts:

• Core system codebase (in progress)
• Documentation and API references (in progress)
• Example datasets and project templates (in progress)
• Issue tracker for feature requests/bug reports

​​Latest versions​​ of Time Machine will be published through this repository. Current production version: ​Beta ​v1.1.0​​ (2025.04 beta release)

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Developed under the International Paleogeography Association, Time Machine aims to transform deep-time Earth system research through open-access, reproducible geoscience workflows. Contribute to advancing our understanding of Earth's 4.5 billion-year history!