This Android app provides a native interface to the Lunar Mapping and Modeling Portal’s (LMMP) lunar data archive and analysis tools. It complements the iOS app previously released, incorporating a very similar feature set. Both apps contain a subset of the functionality available in the desktop/Web version. Compared to the iOS version of the LMMP, the Android version provides the additional tools necessary to perform elevation analysis and perimeter/area measurements.
The LMMP infrastructure is a Web-based service that users can access from their desktop Web browsers. However, the implementation on the Web is not suited for mobile devices. The desktop version uses Flash, which does not run smoothly on mobile phones and tablets. The widgets in the interface are optimized for large desktop screens, and the general interaction design on the Web site is catered towards users with a keyboard and mouse. For the mobile platforms, the interface was redesigned.
The software also includes several helpful features. First is the minimap feature that lets the user know their screen position in relation to the entire lunar surface. Second is the fullscreen feature that removes the user interface to allow clearer viewing of the lunar surface. Third is the search feature, which allows searching of all data provided by the software, including layers, nomenclature, and bookmarks. Fourth is the settings menu, which allows users to change settings to increase or decrease the speed of the software. Fifth is the help menu that provides instructions pertaining to the use of all the tools and features in the software.
This work was done by George W. Chang, Shantanu Malhotra, Richard M. Kim, Kyle L. Dodge, and Emily S. Law of Caltech; and Eddie Arevalo of Columbus Technologies for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Moon Tours Android
(reference NPO-49354) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the development of the Lunar Mapping and Modeling Portal (LMMP) Android application, created by John D. Co-Reyes under the mentorship of George Chang at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The LMMP aims to serve as a comprehensive and accessible lunar science data archive, facilitating lunar site selection and operations while providing valuable information about the lunar environment.
The primary goal of the LMMP is to support lunar mission planners and designers by offering a user-friendly interface that allows both the scientific community and the general public to access lunar mapping and modeling products, tools, and data. The application is designed to provide mobile access to high-resolution images of the moon, sourced from various satellites, including the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS), as well as historical data from Apollo missions and international spacecraft like Chandrayaan-1.
The Android application, developed in Java using the Eclipse IDE, features essential functionalities such as layer selection, feature search, mini-map integration, bookmarks, and three-dimensional graphics. Users can explore 527 additional layers from 15 different satellites, adjusting layer transparency and viewing metadata. The mini-map provides a dynamic overview of the current map extent, while users can interact with features from a nomenclature database, which are displayed as red dots on the map. Clicking on these features zooms in and provides additional information, including coordinates and descriptions.
The application also includes preset bookmarks for significant lunar landmarks, such as the Apollo 12 landing site, allowing users to easily navigate to these locations and view relevant data. Additionally, the app offers three-dimensional representations of the lunar surface, utilizing the OpenGL ES library to create a textured mesh from digital elevation models.
The document emphasizes the importance of public outreach and awareness in lunar science, highlighting the LMMP's commitment to providing an engaging and informative experience for users. The application is intended for release on the Google Play Store, making it accessible for download on Android devices. Co-Reyes plans to continue refining the application throughout the academic year to ensure its readiness for public use.
