ISPRS 2001 The Accuracy, Stability and "Value" of Geodetic Reference Parameters for Mars

Recent geodetic observations of Mars by the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, particularly the altimetry and gravity experiments, have provided a new framework in which Mars may be geodetically described. The complexity of Mars’ shape and its topography has made the simple definition of "reference ellipsoid" or "reference surface" of questionable value. In addition, the quality of the data now available has enabled seasonal variations of these geodetic parameters due to the atmosphere to be detected and, although small, they provide a real limit on the precision of any "constant" for Mars. We will discuss the implications for Mars geodesy and cartography.

Mimetype

application/pdf

Filename

isprs_etm_OCT01_smith_mars_parameters.pdf

Publisher

ISPRS

Originator

David E. Smith, Maria T. Zuber

Group

Astrogeology

Added to Astropedia

15 May 2012

Modified

9 July 2013

General

Geospatial Data Presentation Form

Document

Keywords

System

Mars

Target

Mars

Theme

Geology

Mission

Mars Global Surveyor

Geospatial Information

Quad Name