A document describes a methodology for utilizing image data downlinked from cameras aboard a robotic ground vehicle (rover) on a remote planet for analyzing and planning operations of the vehicle and of any associated spacecraft. Traditionally, the cataloging and presentation of large numbers of downlinked planetary-exploration images have been done by use of two organizational methods: temporal organization and correlation between activity plans and images. In contrast, the present methodology involves spatial indexing of image data by use of the computational discipline of geographic information systems (GIS), which has been maturing in terrestrial applications for decades, but, until now, has not been widely used in support of exploration of remote planets. The use of GIS to catalog data products for analysis is intended to increase efficiency and effectiveness in planning rover operations, just as GIS has proven to be a source of powerful computational tools in such terrestrial endeavors as law enforcement, military strategic planning, surveying, political science, and epidemiology. The use of GIS also satisfies the need for a map-based user interface that is intuitive to rover-activity planners, many of whom are deeply familiar with maps and know how to use them effectively in field geology.
This work was done by Mark Powell, Jeffrey Norris, Jason Fox, Kenneth Rabe, and I-Hsiang Shu of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Information Sciences category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (626) 395-2322. Refer to NPO-41812.
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GIS Methodology for Planning Planetary-Rover Operations
(reference NPO-41812) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document titled "GIS Methodology for Planning Planetary-Rover Operations" outlines a significant advancement in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to support the operations and activity planning of planetary rovers, particularly in NASA's Mars missions. This work represents the first application of GIS-based technology in the context of spacecraft operations, specifically for the Mars Exploration Rover and the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL).
The motivation behind this development stems from the challenges faced in analyzing the vast number of images collected by rovers as they traverse different geological sites on planetary surfaces. Traditional tools for image analysis often present data in a linear or temporal sequence, making it difficult to effectively compare images taken at various locations. The proposed GIS-based solution addresses this issue by spatially organizing image products within a global reference frame. This allows for a more intuitive analysis, as users can visualize the locations of images on a map that corresponds to the rover's path.
The document details the implementation of a map-based interface that utilizes a reprojected orbital image of the rover's traverse area, along with annotations indicating the locations of image products. This interface is designed to be user-friendly, particularly for field geologists who are accustomed to using maps in their work. By providing a spatial context for image analysis, the GIS methodology enhances the ability to observe geological trends and supports scientific analysis.
Furthermore, the document highlights the ongoing interest from NASA's Science Operations on Planetary Surfaces Research and Technology Development (R&TD) task in evaluating how this GIS technology can improve the efficiency of science operations. The initial implementation of this GIS-based approach was funded by the MSL mission, and there is a strong interest in further developing this technology to support future missions.
In summary, the document presents a novel GIS-based tactical planning tool that enhances the operational capabilities of planetary rovers by improving the analysis of spatial data. This innovation not only aids in the current Mars missions but also has potential applications for future aeronautical and space activities, showcasing NASA's commitment to advancing technology for scientific exploration.
