Mars Terrain Generation

Abstract

A suite of programs for the generation of disparity maps from stereo image pairs via correlation, and conversion of those disparity maps to XYZ maps, has been updated. This suite implements an automated method of deriving terrain from stereo images for use in the ground data system for in-situ (lander and rover) cameras. This differs from onboard correlation by concentrating more on accuracy than speed, since near-real-time is not a requirement on the ground. The final result is an XYZ value for every point in the image that passes several quality checks. A priori geometric camera calibration information is required for this suite to operate. The suite is very flexible, enabling its use in many special situations, such as non-linearized images required for applications like the Phoenix arm camera, or long-baseline stereo, where the rover moves between left and right images.