Mission Statement
Topography derived from stereo images is an essential data type for exploring the surfaces of other planets, and for understanding our own planet Earth. Acquiring stereo images from aerial, satellite, or small uncrewed aerial systems (aka drones) is now commonplace. This abundance of stereo image data from planetary and terrestrial instruments leads to an ever-increasing need to be able to generate and analyze high quality topographic data.
The Photogrammetry Program at The University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) is built on a foundation of many years of experience developing and producing high quality topographic data from planetary missions and terrestrial instruments. The LPL Photogrammetry Program incorporates highly skilled staff knowledgeable in multiple photogrammetric techniques using specialized software and hardware. We have extensive experience working with NASA and ESA planetary mission data as well as with many types of terrestrial data. We provide training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, and other members of the scientific community, through our mission operations work and NASA-sponsored workshops held at the LPL Space Imagery Center.
Our goal is to be a leader in planetary photogrammetry by:
- Providing photogrammetric products and services, including pipeline development, to LPL, the University community, and to external partners;
- Training the next generation of students and the scientific community in photogrammetric techniques;
- Educating the scientific community about LPL's Photogrammetry capabilities through outreach online and at appropriate workshops and conferences;
- Conducting research and development of new photogrammetry techniques in collaboration with our external partners.