Digital Elevation Model Creation from Stereo Image Data for Planetary Surfaces

Ross A. Beyer and Jeff Moore

Code SST

Two-dimensional images of planetary surfaces from orbit have been
a mainstay of planetary science for decades, but obtaining information
about the third dimension allows far more sophisticated questions
to be answered.  This was evident when Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter
(MOLA) data was released for Mars.  However, the horizontal scale
of that data is crude compared to that of imaging data.  Obtaining
topographic information at the scale of modern imagers is possible
using stereogrammetry.  However, there is no simple off-the-shelf
solution for creating digital elevation models from stereo data.
A stereogrammetry solution would be useful for both scientific
studies, as well as helping to plan future missions.  Applications
and challenges will be discussed.