The process of creating a detailed, accurate map of a planet's surface features.
Planetary Science: The study of planets, their characteristics, and their history.
Geology: The study of the physical structure and composition of the Earth and other planets.
Remote Sensing: The process of collecting data about an object or area from a distance.
GIS (Geographic Information System): A system designed to collect, store, analyze, and manage spatial data.
Topography: The study of the shape and features of the Earth or other celestial bodies.
Cartography: The study and creation of maps and charts.
Photogrammetry: The science of making measurements and mapping from photographs.
Global Positioning System (GPS): A navigation system that uses satellite signals to determine the location of a receiver.
Spectroscopy: The study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation.
Mineralogy: The study of minerals and their properties.
Meteoritics: The study of meteorites and their properties.
Volcanology: The study of volcanoes and volcanic activity.
Tectonics: The study of the movement and deformation of the Earth's crust.
Impact Cratering: The study of the formation and distribution of impact craters.
Planetary Atmospheres: The study of the atmospheres of planets and their behavior.
Planetary Surfaces: The study of surface features and processes on planets and other celestial bodies.
Topographical Mapping: This is the most common type of planetary mapping. It is used to create detailed maps of a planet's surface topography. It is achieved by using data from various sources such as satellite imagery, radar, and other remote-sensing techniques.
Geologic Mapping: It is used to identify and describe different types of rocks, geologic structures, and processes that shape the planet's surface. Geologic mapping is critical in identifying and understanding the processes that formed and modified a planet.
Mineral Mapping: It is a type of mapping which permits the determination of the mineralogical makeup of an area by analyzing the reflection spectrum of the target minerals. This is often done with spectroscopy using light that passes through a planet's surface.
Geological Context Mapping: It is used to determine the geological context of specific locations on a planet's surface. This type of mapping helps scientists to understand the relationship between different geological features.
Atmospheric Mapping: Used to study a planet's atmosphere, it enables meteorologists and other scientists to learn more about the weather on other planets and to predict future climate changes.
Magnetic Field Mapping: It is used to map the planet's magnetic field. The magnetic field plays an important role in shaping the planet's environment and can influence the planet's atmosphere and surface.
Gravity Mapping: It is used to map the planet's gravity field. The amount and distribution of gravity on a planet's surface can provide insight into the planet's internal structure and composition.
Thermal Mapping: Used to study the temperature variations across a planet's surface, thermal mapping helps scientists understand how heat is generated, transferred, and dissipated on a planet.
Cartography: It is the science of mapping and creating geospatial data. It is used to create maps that display various types of data, such as topography, geology, mineralogy, and others.