New forum functions: GIS-like functionality

    Posted at: 21st December 2010 by roderikk in Website

    During the Landing Site for Exploration Missions workshop 17-21 January 2011 in Leiden, The Netherlands, this website will be used as a test bed for how to use new technologies in the process of landing-site characterization and selection. A part of this functionality can now be used in the forum.

    Maps

    In the forum it is now possible to add maps of either the Moon or Mars to a discussion. After a map has been added to a discussion the participants can add extra markers to the map to help discuss particular features.

    Landing Ellipses

    When landing on Mars unknown forces in the atmosphere during the descent of the probe make it difficult to predict the actual precise landing location of the craft. This is why a landing site on Mars has to be defined by an ellipse that signifies the 3 σ (99.7%) probability that the craft will touch down within that region.

    It is now possible to add these ellipses on the maps in discussions. After adding a location to the map an ellipse centred on this location can be added by clicking "Add an Ellipse" and subsequently clicking the desired location marker.

    Conclusions

    We hope you will be able to use these new features in the forum to aid your discussions. If you think there is more functionality that should be implemented feel free to contact us! Leave a message in the forum where new features are announced and requested.