Google Moon, Lunar Sample and Photo Catalog
Apollo Sample Collection Data Layers for Google Moon
by Nancy Todd
Nancy Todd
Last year, we reported the completion of the Apollo 15 and 16 data layer and were in the process of developing data layers for Apollo 17 Lunar samples. Since March of 2011, data layers for selected lunar rocks from Apollo missions 15 and 16 were made available to the public as KMZ files for use within the Google Earth/Moon application. Data layers are comprised of the following: station media galleries, annotated panoramas, sample information windows, interactive station maps, and surface graphical overlays of station maps showing sample collection areas. The KMZ files are available for download from the Curation website at: https://curator.jsc.nasa.gov/lunar/moon/index.cfm
The Apollo 17 mission data layer is almost complete. All the data and galleries have been created. The remaining activity for Apollo 17 is setting the spatial coordinates of samples within mission EVA collection stations to enable their display within Google Moon. This has been delayed by the lack of high-resolution images that show features near the size of prominent features found on each station. In the future, as more photos become available, we will also be creating data layers for the remaining missions.
Apollo Sample View in Google Moon
LUNAR SAMPLE AND PHOTO CATALOG DATABASE
by Nancy Todd
The Lunar Sample Catalog database was deployed to the Lunar website in November 2010. Since its deployment, the online catalog has been reworked to add the ability to search photos by photo number, as well as, provide for advanced photo search capability based on photo characteristics and related sample information. Other changes include the ability to display photo search results as a table or as a photo gallery. Photos are printable and downloadable.
Another enhancement made to the catalog, based on user feedback, is the ability to bookmark search lists, sample details, and photo details and access them later directly through a specific URL without having to redo searches. This also allows users to navigate back and forth through the browser interface. This enhanced interface will be made available to the public by Spring 2012.
Sample Details View in Lunar Sample Catalog and Photo Database
