Spectroscopic and photometric evaluation of images from the Mars Pathfinder camera

The images taken by the Mars Pathfinder camera are used to obtain informati on about the chemical and mineralogical properties of the Martian stones an d soil at the landing site. These tasks are fulfilled by spectroscopic and photometric techniques. A number of scientific groups are engaged in this w ork. Three aspects of this work, which was done in the DLR Institute of Pla netary Exploration, will be shown. A method for measuring the reflectance c haracteristics of the calibration targets is demonstrated. The determinatio n of the angles of incidence, emergence, and phase for a point in the image s is explained. Finally, two different methods of spectral classification o f image points are shown. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.