3D crater database production on Mars by automated crater detection and data fusion

Abstract

Impact crater databases are a key resource for planetary geologists. Uses include studies of relative and absolute surface (age) chronologies, erosional processes, hydrological evolution and climate history. This paper describes the creation of 2D and 3D Mars crater databases from high resolution HRSC stereo imagery using data fusion and automated crater detection methods. A semiautomated process has been developed which incorporates a software GIS tool to facilitate the statistical assessment of detection rates and quality as well as provide 100% coverage with minimal human interaction. A specialized stereo matching system for impact craters using high quality HRSC stereo imagery with derived 2D crater boundaries was subsequently developed and applied. Using this tool, the best possible 3D profiles for various scale ranges were then extracted and cross verified using the 2D crater data. The algorithms which are demonstrated in this paper will provide a very powerful tool for future planetary studies. * Corresponding author