Geologic Mapping Methods for a Mission-Driven Mapping Scenario: The Dawn at Vesta Example
R. A. Yingst, S.C. Mest, D.A. Williams, W.B. Garry, D.C. Berman, C.M. Pieters, R. Jaumann, C.T. Russell, C.A. Raymond, and the Dawn Science Team Geological Society of America28 October 2013
Outline
Emphasis here is on the process of geologic mapping in the context of an active spacecraft mission
First - Prior work and data flow
Second - Iterations of the map
Third - Lessons learned:
Mapping process: Time pressures meant overthinking minimized, but shortcuts retained too long.
Mapping Vesta: Topography more definitive than morphology in defining units.
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013
Background
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013 Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
Color-shaded relief map of Vesta, showing prominent features. Topography derived from Dawn Framing Camera data.
Iterative mapping
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013 Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
Orbital stages of the Dawn at Vesta mission.
~400 m/pxl
~250 m/pxl
~60 m/pxl
RC/OpNav data analysis
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013 Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
OpNav data from Vesta’s south pole (left), and RC1 image f2_362695687 taken of region near Marcia crater (right).
RC/OpNav-based map
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013 Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
~400 m/pxl
Geologic map based on RC and OpNav data. Map created in Adobe Illustrator; base is a Framing Camera mosaic at ~ 400 m/pxl resolution. Map at ~ 1:20M scale.
RC/OpNav data analysis
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013 Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
RC 3 data covering Vesta’s equator from Divalia Fossae to Marcia, Calpurnia and Minucia craters.
Marcia
Survey data analysis
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013 Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
Survey data covering Vesta’s equator (above) and south pole (left).
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013 Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
Geologic map based on Survey data. Map created in ArcGIS; base is a Framing Camera mosaic at ~ 250 m/pxl resolution. Map at 1:1M scale.
Units
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013
Cratered plains (left) and cratered highlands (bottom), both located in Vestalia Terra.
Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
Units
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013 Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
Units
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013
Mass-wasting and smooth material, Marcia Crater.
Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
Aricia Tholus,
HAMO data analysis
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013 Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
HAMO data covering Vesta’s south pole.
HAMO-based map
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013 Image credit: NASA/JPL/DLR
Geologic map based on HAMO data. Map created in ArcGIS; base is a Framing Camera mosaic at ~ 60 m/pxl resolution. 1:500,000
Lessons Learned 1
Iterative process driven primarily by rapid data acquisition, and the consequent need to generate new products quickly.
Process needs multiple, experienced workers.
Compressed timeline meant less overthinking of results and interpretations…
…but also overuse of standard symbology and nomenclature.
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013
Lessons Learned 2
Topography more definitive than morphology in defining units.
Lack of definitive interpretations of spectral data hampered unit definition.
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013
Summary Iterative mapping can provide an orbiting spacecraft team
with reasonable geologically-based proto-units in a timely manner.
Experience and multiple workers crucial to meet the timeline.
Time pressures meant overthinking minimized, but shortcuts retained too long.
Topography more definitive than morphology in defining units.
Multispectral data crucial in making interpretations of units.
• Thanks to the Dawn operational, instrument and science teams!• This work was funded through the NASA Dawn at Vesta Participating Scientist Program
Acknowledgements
Geological Society of America — Denver, CO, 28 October 2013