The real surface of Mars. Recorded by NASA's Curiosity rover. Now in your browser.


About
the
experiment

Access Mars lets you explore a 3D replica of the Martian surface, exactly as it was recorded by the Curiosity rover. As Curiosity has travelled across Mars, it’s taken digital photographs with two stereoscopic camera systems. By combining and analyzing these photographs, scientists at NASA JPL have created a 3D model used to study Mars and plan future experiments. For the first time, this same 3D model is now available here for anyone to explore in their browser using WebVR.

Mapping
the
terrain

Step 01

Image mosaics are captured with the left and right Navcam and Mastcam.

Step 02

The two mosaics are then combined together to create a stereo match.

Step 03

Using the data from the stereo match scientists are able to extract 3D mapping data.

Step 04

Using metadata from the time, location, and direction the images were taken, scientists can tile the terrain data into a composite piece of terrain.

Introducing
Katie Stack
Morgan

As you explore the surface of Mars, you’ll learn about key points of interest from Katie Stack Morgan of NASA’s JPL. Since 2012, Katie has been working as a planetary geologist on the Mars Science Laboratory mission, analyzing Curiosity’s discoveries and planning future parts of the mission. Her primary focus is studying the geology of ancient Mars to learn what the planet may have been like in the past, and if it might have supported life.

Learn More

Take a look at the code on GitHub. Check out more WebVR Experiments. Get the latest on Mars from NASA.

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