Creating HiRISE digital elevation models for Mars using the open-source Ames Stereo Pipeline

Abstract

Abstract. The present availability of sub-decametre digital elevation models on Mars – crucial for the study of surface processes – is scarce. In contrast to the globally-available but low-resolution datasets, such models enable the study of landforms 3000 stereo pairs at 25 cm/pixel resolution, enabling the creation of high-resolution digital elevation models (1–2 m/pixel). However, only ~ 500 of these pairs have been processed and made publicly available to date. Existing pipelines for the production of digital elevation models from stereo-pairs, however, are built upon commercial software, rely upon sparsely-available intermediate data, or are reliant on proprietary algorithms. Here, we present and test the output of a new pipeline for producing digital elevation models from HiRISE stereo pairs that is built entirely upon the open source NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline photogrammetric software, making use of freely available data for cartographic rectification. This pipeline is implemented here on a research computing cluster, but can also be used on consumer-grade UNIX computers. The four output digital elevation models produced using the pipeline presented here are globally well-registered, with accuracy similar to those of multiple digital elevation models produced elsewhere.

Surficial geology and geomorphology of Greg crater, Promethei Terra, Mars

“…Modelling flow and geometry of former GLFs, possibly allied to DEM generation from overlapping CTX and/or HiRISE images (e.g. Hepburn et al, 2019), would improve knowledge of GLF dynamics and of the links between GLFs and martian climate change. Specific issues to be explored could include driving time-evolving GLF change with outputs from global circulation models for Mars, reconstructing multiple glacial advances by matching maximum modelled GLF extents to nested moraine sequences, and evaluating the likelihood of wetbased glaciation beneath thickest ice during periods of maximum GLF extent.…”