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Home / Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, Number 10 / October 2005

Open Access Automated Crater Detection, A New Tool for Mars Cartography and Chronology

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An automated crater detection algorithm is presented which exploits image data. The algorithm is briefly described and its application demonstrated on a variety of different Martian geomorphological areas and sensors (Viking Orbiter Camera, Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC), Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA), and High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC)). We show assessment results through both an intercomparison of automated crater locations with those from the manually-derived Mars Crater Consortium (MCC) catalogue and the manually-derived craters. The detection algorithm attains an accuracy of 70 to 90 percent and a quality factor of 60 to 80 percent depending on target sensor type and geomorphology. We also present crater detection results derived from HRSC images onboard the ESA Mars Express on a comparison between manually-determined Size-Frequency Distributions (SFDs) and those derived fully automatically. The approach described appears to offer great potential for chronological research, geomatic and geological analysis and for other purposes of extra-terrestrial planetary surface mapping.

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: 01 October 2005

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  • The official journal of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - the Imaging and Geospatial Information Society (ASPRS). This highly respected publication covers all facets of photogrammetry and remote sensing methods and technologies.

    Founded in 1934, the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) is a scientific association serving over 7,000 professional members around the world. Our mission is to advance knowledge and improve understanding of mapping sciences to promote the responsible applications of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and supporting technologies.
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