{ Linked Paleo Data }

LiPD (Linked PaleoData) is an open data standard for sharing, reusing, and analyzing paleoclimate datasets. Each LiPD file packages tabular proxy data alongside rich structured metadata in a portable, validated archive — letting scientists spend less time managing data and more time doing science.

LiPD is supported by libraries for R (lipdR) and Python (pylipd), a browser-based editor (LiPD Studio), an editor extension for VS Code, and a growing community archive at LiPDverse that is also published as a queryable knowledge graph.

A technical description of the format for developers is available on the Format page.

Dataset Structure

Getting Started

Software

LiPD is supported by libraries for R and Python, a browser-based editor, and an editor extension for VS Code. Choose what fits your workflow.

lipdRR package

Read, write, and validate LiPD files in R. Works seamlessly with data frames and the tidyverse.

install.packages("lipdR")
 GitHubDocs
pylipdPython package

Read, write, and validate LiPD files in Python. Integrates with pandas, NumPy, and Pyleoclim.

pip install pylipd
 GitHub
LiPD PlaygroundBrowser-based editor

Create, upload, and edit LiPD files directly in your browser. No installation required.

Open Playground
LiPD File SupportVS Code extension

Open and edit LiPD files in VS Code or Cursor, with form-based editing, a site map, and CSV export. Its GraphDB explorer browses the LiPD Graph and opens remote datasets straight from the editor.

Install GitHub

Find Data

LiPDverse

The community archive for LiPD datasets. Browse thousands of paleoclimate records by archive type, variable, region, and age range. Download individual files or entire collections.

Visit LiPDverse

LiPD Graph

Every dataset in LiPDverse is also published as linked data in a knowledge graph, so you can ask questions across the whole archive at once rather than opening files one at a time — every marine sediment record between two latitudes with a Mg/Ca column, say. The graph is a SPARQL endpoint, and the Query page runs against it directly in your browser.

To browse it interactively, the LiPD File Support extension for VS Code includes a GraphDB explorer that searches the graph by name, location, or time period and opens a remote dataset straight in the editor.

Query the Graph Browse it in VS Code

Create and Edit Files

LiPD Playground

The Playground provides a structured form editor for all LiPD metadata fields, built-in validation feedback, CSV data entry, and one-click download of the finished file.

For programmatic or batch creation, use lipdR or pylipd to build LiPD objects from data frames or dictionaries and write them to disk.

Open Playground

Analyze Data

Once you have data loaded via lipdR or pylipd, these packages extend your analysis capabilities.

GeoChronRR package

Age modeling, time series analysis, and visualization for paleoclimate data. Integrates Bchron, Bacon, and other age models.

 GitHub
actRR package

Abrupt change detection and climate reconstruction with rigorous uncertainty quantification.

 GitHub
PyleoclimPython package

Spectral analysis, wavelet transforms, mapping, and visualization for paleoclimate time series.

 GitHub

FAQ

About Us

Julien Emile-Geay

Principal Investigator

Department of Earth Science

University of Southern California

Nicholas McKay

Principal Investigator

School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability

Northern Arizona University

Deborah Khider

Department of Earth Science

University of Southern California