Astrogeology

In this interview, Chris Isbell discusses cartographic production techniques applied during analog and early digital eras, and the evolution and application of these and other related techniques as applied to numerous scientific and cartographic projects from early years (1970’s) through more recent times (late 2010’s). Isbell discusses his work at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from his initial student appointment to the present, including planetary mapping, technical and computer programming work, working with NASA's Planetary Data System, and creating maps manually back in the hard copy era. He also discusses colleagues in related USGS departments, including: Ramona Bourdeau and the photo lab; Roger Carroll and Jim Vandivier in the drafting shop; the airbrush process used by Jay Inge and Pat Bridges at Lowell. He describes early digital processes, including Planetary Image Cartography System (PICS) and Integrated Software for Images and Spectrometers (ISIS). He discusses how NASA's Planetary Data System established cartographic standards, with the input of key people including Larry Soderblom and Hugh Kieffer. He discusses working on Voyager 1 at JPL, in a team including Soderblom, Kieffer, Ray Batson, Sherman Wu, Hal Masursky, Mike Carr, Gene Schaber, Randy Kirk, Annie Howington, Ray Jordon, and drafters Caroll and Vandivier. He also discusses Viking and the color mosaic of the equatorial belt of Mars, and the work of digital mapper Pat Chavez. He briefly discusses the planetary nomenclature program, run by Mimi Strobel, USGS representative to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), who was succeeded by Joe Russel, Jenny Blue, and Tenielle Gaither. The interview then moves to more personal questions; what brought Isbell to planetary mapping, where he would like to land on Mars, and what he would tell children about scientific research and creative work.

Interview with Randolph Kirk, Scientist Emeritus at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center. Kirk discusses pursuing his PhD in planetary science, his interest in remote sensing and his thesis work on developing time photoclinometry. He describes in detail many of the changes that have taken place in planetary mapping over the years, as the field has shifted from analog techniques to digital. Kirk talks about the process of working with a software vendor to develop mapping software needed for USGS. He discusses his work on mapping Venus using radar altimetry, as well as the creation of the Venus globe, one of his favorite projects. Kirk describes the workflows of planetary mapping within USGS and the collaboration between draftsmen, geologists, airbrush artists, and other technicians. He talks about the process of deciding on landing sites for new rovers or landers, and he recalls the differences between mapping the landing sites for Mars Pathfinder versus Viking. Other projects mentioned include the Mars Exploration Rover, Curiosity and Cassini. The interview concludes with Kirk explaining the importance of planetary mapping in ensuring that data collected from space missions is synthesized into useable products. 

Interview with Mark Rosiek, a planetary photogrammetrist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center. Rosiek discusses his work for the Air Force, prior to joining USGS, where he worked in image processing and satellite imagery. He then describes his work on mapping the landing site for the Huygens satellite on Titan, as well as his work on Martian contour maps using Viking images. Rosiek recalls his lunar mapping projects, specifically mapping the polar regions of the Moon. He describes differences between working with data from the Clementine mission versus the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Rosiek reflects on the technological advances that have changed planetary mapping work over the years. He discusses his education at SUNY College of Forestry where he was introduced to photogrammetry and remote sensing. Rosiek also talks about collaborating with geologists in his work, and he explains the changing role of USGS in the field of planetary mapping. The interview concludes with Rosiek sharing the importance of planetary mapping work and the need to continue updating maps as new technology emerges. 

Baerbel and Ivo Lucchitta are both retired from the Astrogeology Science Center at the United States Geological Survey (USGS). In this interview, they begin by sharing background information on how the USGS became involved in planetary mapping and astrogeology. Ivo explains his work in the Surface Planetary Exploration division, where he was involved in training astronauts before missions. Baerbel describes her work in the Astrogeologic Studies division, where she worked on planetary mapping. They each share stories from their work on the Apollo 17 mission. Baerbel describes the different processes involved in creating maps before the time of GIS. She discusses differences between mapping the moon and mapping Mars. The Lucchittas discuss the various equipment needed for their work and how camera technology changed over the years. Baerbel also discusses her work in mapping Ganymede, as well as her current project mapping Valles Marineris, Mars. Toward the end of the interview, the Lucchittas describe how they first came to work at USGS. Ivo discusses his work as a field geologist and his research on the Grand Canyon. They conclude by discussing the importance of continued funding and research in planetary mapping. 

Interview with Ken Herkenhoff, a research geologist at the U. S. Geological Survey’s Astrogeology Science Center. Herkenhoff begins by sharing how he first became interested in Mars polar research while a student at Caltech. He recalls studying images from Mariner 9 with Larry Soderblom and explains his focus on layer deposits in polar ice. Herkenhoff reflects on the changes in technology which have influenced his work and discusses the different image qualities across Viking and Mariner missions over the years. He explains the process of creating maps and discusses the transition from hand-drawn maps to GIS maps. Herkenhoff recalls his move from the Jet Propulsion Lab to USGS and discusses his current work using images from the Curiosity rover. The interview concludes with Herkenhoff sharing the differences between mapping different regions, and he encourages young people to pursue planetary mapping.