Improved Data Model and Data Entry Methods for the MagIC Paleomagnetic and Rock Magnetic Database

The Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) has introduced a version 3.0 of the MagIC Data Model that is less complicated with fewer tables. All data are grouped at the location, site, sample, specimen, and measurement levels and separate data tables for specific paleomagnetic and rock magnetic data types have been eliminated. Once the data level is identified, it is no longer necessary to search over multiple tables to find the correct column for data placement. A full description of the 3.0 MagIC Data Model can be found at earthref.org/MagIC/data-model. Data files created using older MagIC Data Models can be converted to version 3.0 using an online tool. Online data entry and uploading have also been improved. A contribution's data set can now be entered and edited using a spreadsheet-like interface where columns of data can be copied and pasted from other data stores. Previously only complete MagIC format files could be uploaded, but now partial uploads can be used in an additive way to create a complete MagIC data set. The PmagPy Python software suite has also been updated to use MagIC Data Model 3.0 data files. This paleomagnetic and rock magnetic and analysis and plotting software suite is open source and instructions on how to download, install, and use the package can be found at earthref.org/PmagPy/cookbook. Paleomagnetic data can be imported from many file formats, analyzed to determine paleomagnetic directions or intensities, and then the data and interpretations exported in the MagIC file format for easy uploading into the MagIC database. Two stand-alone programs have also been created and can be used without installing Python and the PmagPy software. One program (pmag_gui) can perform paleomagnetic data import, analysis, and MagIC file format export while the other (magic_gui) can be used to create a MagIC data file for upload to the MagIC Database using site level data. We will continue to improve the process of archiving and searching the MagIC database for the scientific community.