PetDB 2.0 (EarthChem Synthesis) Interface Guide

PetDB Synthesis

Overview

The EarthChem PetDB 2.0 Synthesis Interface allows researchers to explore, filter, and export global geochemical data. It combines an interactive map with a powerful filtering system and customizable export options for metadata and output variables.

1. Getting Started

Access

Visit the staging or production site:

Initial View

Upon loading, you’ll see:

  • A 3D globe map displaying all samples.
  • A filter panel on the left.
  • A status bar below the map showing the number of samples currently displayed.
  • A view toggle below the map/table with option to toggle between map and datatable.

2. Filtering Data

Step 1: Select From Top Level Search Section
  1. Option Analytical Features.
  2. Option Sample Features.
  3. Option Additional Features
Step 2: Choose Sample Features
  1. Once top level expanded, select a filter to search by.
  2. Example: Sample Features > Tectonic Setting > select Abyssal Hill.
  3. The dataset reduces (e.g., from ~100k to ~174 samples).
Step 3: Optional – Map Polygon Selection
  • On Map View a Draw Polygon tool allows drawing polygons to spatially filter samples.
  • Drawing a polygon further reduces the previous filter.

3. Exploring the Map

  • Crosshair icon – Toggles visibility of sample points.
  • Earth icon – Switches to global projection.
  • North icon – Switches to North Pole projection.
  • South icon – Switches to South Pole projection.
  • Zoom controls – Adjust zoom level.
  • Drag and rotate – Explore regions interactively.

4. Viewing Data in Table Form

  1. Click the Table icon in the bottom toolbar.
  2. The Table View displays sample records with columns such as:
    • Sample, Citation, Sample Type, Analyzed Material, Longitude/Latitude, etc.
  3. A summary row shows the dataset size (e.g., 602 samples) and includes:
    • Preview Export – Review dataset before exporting.
    • Gear icon (Data Options) – Customize metadata and outputs.

5. Data Options

The Data Options modal has three tabs:

Metadata
  • Choose which descriptive metadata fields to include (e.g., Sample ID, Material, Location).
Output Variables
  • Select between:
    • Default Items standard set of 68 variables.
    • All Available dependent on the current search, all variables available.
    • Custom Selection of geochemical variables (user’s choice)
Export Summary
  • Displays current filters, row count, and output format (CSV/JSON/EXCEL).
  • Includes the Export Results, Citation Information and User Feedback.

6. Export Workflow

  1. Click the gear icon → choose Metadata or Output Variables.
  2. Navigate to the Export Summary tab.
  3. Click Export Results.
  4. Read and scroll through the Terms & Conditions modal.
  5. Click Accept Terms.
  6. Fill in:
    • Email
    • Usage Type:
    • (Optional) Check “Join EarthChem Mailing List.”
  7. Click Begin Download to export.
  8. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your dataset (in CSV/ZIP format) otherwise the export will be complete in the same browser window (< 10k rows).