Ron Li, professor of civil and environmental engineering and geodetic science, and his team have developed a "MarsMapper" bundle adjustment and mapping software program. This software program provides efficient and highly accurate localization for the Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, enabling them to traverse the Martian surface and gather scientific samples during the anticipated mission operational period of January to April 2004. In addition, the team will produce accurate maps (such as digital terrain models, orthophoto maps, and rover traverse maps of the landing site) in near real-time to support science and engineering operations.

Li and his research team will process images taken each Martian day and downlinked each evening by the rovers. Each Martian night, new rover positions and attitudes will be calculated to update the rover location information. Contact: Ron Li, (614) 292-6946, li.282@osu.edu

See http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/marsrovr.htm for more information.
 
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