1. Taking the “G” out of GIS
The Use of GIS in Our Solar System
By: Jacob Moulton

2. Overview How we gather special data outside of Earth.
A brief history of planetary mapping missions.
The current state of spatial data in our solar system.
The future of planetary GIS data.

3. How we Interpret the Data
Stereophotogrammetry:
The creation of three-dimensional models using recognizable features, points, or landmarks in multiple photos.
Triangulation:
Similar to the way triangulation is used in GPS on Earth, telescopes in our orbit (Hubble, GALEX, JWST, etc.) can look at distant objects to calculate their distance, and relative positioning.

4. How we Collect the Data
The Data from celestial bodies can be gathered in two ways.
From Earth:
Earth-Based Radar/LiDAR:
Radar antennas on Earth engage with, and map the surface of objects in space.
LiDAR and radar have been used to help in mapping the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter.
From Space:
Satellites:
Orbit planets taking photos or emitting LiDAR pulses to gather information.
Typically use triangulation to measure the size and shape of geologic features.
Landers:
Descend to the surface of the object. Records terrain information via photos, and radar.
Landers have been successfully deployed to our Moon, Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn’s moon, Titan.

5. How we Collect the Data Continued
Impact Probes:
Rovers:
Unlike landers, impact probes are not designed to survive the landing.
These probes fall towards the object the are observing.
Takes as many pictures as possible during free fall.
Send back as much information as possible before impact
These are typically autonomous vehicles used to remotely explore the surface of planetary bodies.
They are also typically used for collecting dust and rock samples, but some have been used to take photos and gather geological data.

6. Some Examples: Missions: Galileo: Jupiter
The Viking Program: Mars
In 1975 The Viking Program Launched the Viking as part of a two part mission to gather Martian surface Data
Both the Viking 1, and 2 satellites orbited Mars taking pictures for roughly a month before sending down landers
The spacecraft took photos from the atmosphere and from the surface.
Using these the photos triangulate for the shape and size of geological features.
Galileo: Jupiter
Launched on October 18th 1989
Arrived at Jupiter on December 7th 1995
Was the first spacecraft we have put in Jupiter's orbit
Has since sent impact probes to Jupiter's, gathered information on Jupiter’s moons Io, Ganymede, Europa, and Calisto.

7. More Examples: Ranger Program: The Moon
Considered the beginning of Planetary Cartography
Three impact probes were crashed into the surface of the Moon between 1964 and 1965
Took 16,000 photos, ranging in scale from 1:1,000 – 1:250,000 before impact
Resulted in the first close up images of the Moon
Curiosity Rover: Mars
Launched on November 26th, 2001
Landed in Aeolis Palus, Gale Crater, Mars on August 6th, 2012
Conducted planetary habitability studies, as well as took photos of the surrounding area.

8. Current Spatial Data in our Solar System
We naturally have the most accurate data on the four closest planets to us (Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter)
The Data we’ve accumulated thus far is vary easy to access, with several online databases devoted solely to providing planetary mapping data. Most of which belonging to the USGS.
USGS Astrogeological Service Center
USGS Planetary GIS Web Server (PIGWAD) – In progress
Google Mars
Mars Trek

9. How we’ve Used the Spatial Data
With every mission we conduct we improve the accuracy of our spatial data.
Venus (Top) and Mercury (Bottom):
38 attempted missions
1 Active mission
Mars:
29 Completed missions
9 Active missions
The Moon:
50+ Completed missions
4 Active missions

10. The Surface of Mars in ArcMap
Produced using Stereophotogrammetry, and triangulations.
Source: USGS Astrogeological Service Center
Projection: ?
Datum: ?

11. The Future of GIS in Space Exploration
Colonization of Mars
The Mars One mission aims to put a colony of people on the planet by 2025
GIS will make it easier for the colonists to plan out their mission.
U.S.G.S. Planetary GIS Web Server – (PIGWAD)
A work in progress, web-based GIS database designed to create a planetary research community.
Could eventually include data from outside our solar system.

12. Questions?

13. Sources:
U.S.G.S. Planetary GIS Web Server - PIGWAD." USGS Planetary GIS Web Server - PIGWAD. U.S. Department of the Interior, 4 Feb Web. 05 Apr
Williams, David R. Dr. (December 18, 2006). “Viking Mission to Mars” NASA. Retrieved April 5th,2017.
 ”Curiosity: NASA’s Next Mars Rover”. NASA. August 6, Retrieved  April 5th,2017
"Missions to Venus and Mercury." The Planetary Society Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr
"Missions to Mars." The Planetary Society Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr
"Missions to The Moon." The Planetary Society Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr
Stevenson, John. "Research Guides: Cartographic Resources, Maps, and Spatial Data: Extraterrestrial." Extraterrestrial - Cartographic Resources, Maps, and Spatial Data - Research Guides at University of Delaware. The University of Delaware, 3 Apr Web. 05 Apr
"Ranger." NASA. NASA, 22 May Web. 05 Apr
"Stereophotogrammetry." Stereophotogrammetry - Wiktionary. Wikipedia, 27 May Web. 05 Apr
"How Mapping Is Used by NASA & Applications of GIS in Space." How Mapping Is Used by NASA & Applications of GIS in Space | USC GIST. University of South California, n.d. Web. 05 Apr
"Geologic Mapping: Project Details." Geologic Mapping: Project Details. USGS, n.d. Web. 05 Apr
Ball, Garry, Lorenz and Kerzhanovich (2006). "Planetary Landers and Entry Probes“ April 5th, 2017
Tompkins, Paul D.; Hunt, Rusty; D'Ortenzio, Matt D.; Strong, James; Galal, Ken; Bresina, John L.; Foreman, Darin; Barber, Robert; Shirley, Mark; Munger, James; Drucker, Eric. "Flight Operations for the LCROSS Lunar Impactor Mission". NASA. Ames Research Center, April 5th, 2017
"Deep Impact (EPOXI): Key Dates". NASA, April 5th, 2017