Friday, August 6, 2010

The global image of the Moon obtained by Chang’E-1: Data processing and lunar cartography


The digital elevation model (DEM) from the Chang'E-1 laser altimeter, used for geometric correction of the CCD photography [CNSA/CAS/CLEP].

LI ChunLai, et al.
Science China, Earth Sciences
August 2010 (Vol.53 No.8)


The global lunar image of the first phase of Chinese Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) is the first image to cover all over the surface of the Moon. It will serve as a critical foundation for succeeding exploration and scientific research.

In this paper, the acquisition, characteristics, and data quality of Chang’E-1 Charged Coupled Device (CCD) image data are described in detail.

Also described are the methodology and procedure of data processing. According to rule of planetary cartography, the image data has been processed, geometrically corrected, and then (made into a mosaic) and merged to a scale of 1:2,500,000. The results of data processing and charting show the image data of Chang’E-1 CCD and its geometric precision meet the demands of charting a map in the scale of 1:2,500,000.

The relative geometric positioning precision of the global image is better than 240 meters, and the absolute geometric positioning precision is slightly better than that of the ULCN2005 and Clementine lunar basemap (v. 2.0). The plane positioning precision is approximately 100–1500 meters. The global image is proven to be the best global image of the Moon so far in terms of space coverage, image quality and positioning precision.

Download the RESEARCH PAPER (PDF), HERE.
Google Scholar, August 6, 2010

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