Speaker
Description
Modern planetary science requires advanced tools to interpret complex topographic data. Traditional GIS software often struggles with real-time rendering of high-resolution, multi-scale 3D environments, especially in virtual reality workflows. This paper presents a novel framework for immersive visualization of the Jezero Crater – the current landing site of the Perseverance rover – using the Unreal Engine game engine.
The core of our methodology focuses on overcoming the limitations of static 2D maps and standard GIS-based 3D models. By integrating multi-resolution datasets, we have developed a "digital twin" of the Jezero Crater that bridges the gap between regional context and micro-scale terrain analysis. Our approach merges three distinct data tiers: regional HiRISE digital elevation models (0.25–0.5 m/pixel) for landscape context, and sub-decimeter (~3.5 cm/pixel) terrain data derived from imagery captured by the Ingenuity helicopter during its operations in the crater.
We utilize the Unreal Engine enhanced by Cesium for Unreal and 3D Tiles technology. This architecture enables a hierarchical Level of Detail (LoD) management system, allowing for the seamless, real-time streaming of massive geospatial datasets. Unlike conventional tools, this approach ensures smooth performance and high frame rates even when rendering complex, high-poly geometry at the micro-scale, essential for analyzing the geological features currently being traversed by the Perseverance rover.
This solution provides a powerful interface for planetary scientists and mission planners. Beyond mere visualization, it enables interactive site analysis, mission path simulation, and the visualization of atmospheric processes within the crater. We demonstrate that combining high-resolution planetary data with game engine technology creates a new paradigm in planetary cartography, offering an immersive environment for both scientific investigation and public engagement in the exploration of Mars.