Automated Crater Detection, A New Tool for Mars Cartography and Chronology

An automated crater detection algorithm is presented which exploits image data. The algorithm is briefly described and its application demonstrated on a variety of different Martian geomorphological areas and sensors (Viking Orbiter Camera, Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC), Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA), and High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC)). We show assessment results through both an intercomparison of automated crater locations with those from the manually-derived Mars Crater Consortium (MCC) catalogue and the manually-derived craters. The detection algorithm attains an accuracy of 70 to 90 percent and a quality factor of 60 to 80 percent depending on target sensor type and geomorphology. We also present crater detection results derived from HRSC images onboard the ESA Mars Express on a comparison between manually-determined Size-Frequency Distributions (SFDs) and those derived fully automatically. The approach described appears to offer great potential for chronological research, geomatic and geological analysis and for other purposes of extra-terrestrial planetary surface mapping.