![]() PAST 4.13 running on Windows 10 | |
Developer(s) | Øyvind Hammer, David A.T. Harper, Paul D. Ryan |
---|---|
Initial release | 2001 |
Stable release | 4.13
/ May 2023 |
Size | ~30 MB |
Type |
Statistical analysis Numerical analysis |
License | Freeware |
Website |
www |
PAST (PAleontological STatistics) is a free software package for statistical data analysis with a focus on palaeontological data.
PAST's predecessor was PALSTAT, developed by palaeontologists David Harper ( University of Copenhagen) and Paul Ryan ( National University of Ireland), first for BBC Microcomputer and later for MS-DOS. [1]
The development of PAST started in 1999, the development team consisted of Harper, Ryan as well as Øyvind Hammer ( University of Oslo), [2] who is still the maintainer today. [3]
PAST includes functions for data management, data visualisation through graphics, univariate and multivariate analysis procedures as well as linear and non-linear modelling. There are also functions for diversity calculation, time series analysis, geostatistical and stratigraphic analysis. [3]
The operation is basically mouse-controlled. In addition, control via syntax scripts is provided, using a Pascal-like script language. [3]
PAST was used for studies in paleontology, [4] [5] [6] [7] forensics, [8] archaeology [9] [10] or microbiology. [11]
The software was recommended because it is "... designed specifically for paleontologists" [12] and "... incorporates a vast majority of analytical methods suitable for paleontological and current ecological work". [13]
![]() PAST 4.13 running on Windows 10 | |
Developer(s) | Øyvind Hammer, David A.T. Harper, Paul D. Ryan |
---|---|
Initial release | 2001 |
Stable release | 4.13
/ May 2023 |
Size | ~30 MB |
Type |
Statistical analysis Numerical analysis |
License | Freeware |
Website |
www |
PAST (PAleontological STatistics) is a free software package for statistical data analysis with a focus on palaeontological data.
PAST's predecessor was PALSTAT, developed by palaeontologists David Harper ( University of Copenhagen) and Paul Ryan ( National University of Ireland), first for BBC Microcomputer and later for MS-DOS. [1]
The development of PAST started in 1999, the development team consisted of Harper, Ryan as well as Øyvind Hammer ( University of Oslo), [2] who is still the maintainer today. [3]
PAST includes functions for data management, data visualisation through graphics, univariate and multivariate analysis procedures as well as linear and non-linear modelling. There are also functions for diversity calculation, time series analysis, geostatistical and stratigraphic analysis. [3]
The operation is basically mouse-controlled. In addition, control via syntax scripts is provided, using a Pascal-like script language. [3]
PAST was used for studies in paleontology, [4] [5] [6] [7] forensics, [8] archaeology [9] [10] or microbiology. [11]
The software was recommended because it is "... designed specifically for paleontologists" [12] and "... incorporates a vast majority of analytical methods suitable for paleontological and current ecological work". [13]