Gridding Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data with GMT: effects of pixel size and interpolation methods on DEM integrity
نویسندگان
چکیده
High-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) based on Mars orbiter laser altimeter (MOLA) data provide geospatial characterizations of Martian topography. MOLA range data are essentially two-dimensional topographic profiles. Transforming these profile data into three-dimensional DEMs requires the interpolation of a continuous surface between MOLA observations. To this end, we outline a method of generating MOLA-based DEMs using the generic mapping tools (GMT) software suite. The percentage of interpolated data within these DEMs is a function of the spatial density of the MOLA observations and is shown to vary inversely with the pixel size of the DEM. We test the relative accuracy of our DEMs by comparing interpolated elevation values against coincident MOLA observations. Tests are conducted on MOLA-based DEMs containing B98% interpolated data at a resolution of 200 pixel/ . Our results yield average elevation differences and standard deviations for the interpolated surfaces that are comparable to the uncertainty of the original MOLA data. Based on these findings, we conclude that the GMT interpolation routines produce meaningful high-resolution MOLA-based DEMs. r 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
منابع مشابه
Technical Note An evaluation of interpolation methods for Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data
The Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) instrument on the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft has returned a large amount of data on the topography of Mars. It is possible to generate high resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) from these data by employing data interpolation techniques. Four interpolation algorithms were selected for testing on MOLA data: Delaunay-based linear interpolati...
متن کاملThe Effect of Resolution on Scaling Relations and Concavity on Valley Networks on Mars
Valley networks have been observed on Mars since the Viking orbiter took photos in 19761980. They are interpreted as an erosional record of a warmer, wetter Mars then what currently exists. Scaling relationships have been used to evaluate terrestrial streams and can be used on Mars. Results from these relationships can provide insight into the mechanisms that formed the valley networks. These r...
متن کاملCo-registration of laser altimeter tracks with digital terrain models and applications in planetary science
We have derived algorithms and techniques to precisely co-register laser altimeter profiles with gridded Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), typically derived from stereo images. The algorithm consists of an initial grid search followed by a least-squares matching and yields the translation parameters at sub-pixel level needed to align the DTM and the laser profiles in 3D space. This software tool w...
متن کاملMars orbiter laser altimeter: receiver model and performance analysis.
The design, calibration, and performance of the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) receiver are described. The MOLA measurements include the range to the surface, which is determined by the laser-pulse time of flight; the height variability within the footprint determined by the laser echo pulse width; and the apparent surface reflectivity determined by the ratio of the echo to transmitted pul...
متن کاملذخیره در منابع من
با ذخیره ی این منبع در منابع من، دسترسی به آن را برای استفاده های بعدی آسان تر کنید
عنوان ژورنال:
- Computers & Geosciences
دوره 30 شماره
صفحات -
تاریخ انتشار 2004