Good point. Google has two Mars Maps. Both are okay-ish. But not good enough really. Let me explain.
Google Mars Maps[1] shows images from the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC)[2], which produces grey scale and up to 1.5m per pixel. Not quite what we aim for nor what we think is enough.
Google Earth Pro is another one. I appreciate you bring it up, and I'll add a remark to the blog post.
What I like about Google Earth' Mars map is that it offers multiple layers of different quality images, similar to NASA's Mars Trek[3]. Besides, it presents a globe view. Both helps conceptualize the whole experience.
However, Google Earth is missing a lot.
First, we built a web app. Easy access for everybody.
Second, we want to present the real Mars. An image just like you would stand in front of it, like Google Earth for Earth: True color, no jumps between image tiles.
NASA does a better job than Google at that. However, neither show natural color, combined with high resolution.
Google Earth uses a blend of Viking imagery, just like we do. However, they use MOC instead of CTX imagery for that. Which results in somewhat high-res too, but they managed to make it look cut up and unnatural. Their CTX map is low coverage, and of course grey scale.
Our solution: We merge natural color photographs with high-resolution images to offer one combined image. And we'll add elevation in 2-3 days.
Google Mars Maps[1] shows images from the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC)[2], which produces grey scale and up to 1.5m per pixel. Not quite what we aim for nor what we think is enough.
Google Earth Pro is another one. I appreciate you bring it up, and I'll add a remark to the blog post.
What I like about Google Earth' Mars map is that it offers multiple layers of different quality images, similar to NASA's Mars Trek[3]. Besides, it presents a globe view. Both helps conceptualize the whole experience.
However, Google Earth is missing a lot.
First, we built a web app. Easy access for everybody.
Second, we want to present the real Mars. An image just like you would stand in front of it, like Google Earth for Earth: True color, no jumps between image tiles.
NASA does a better job than Google at that. However, neither show natural color, combined with high resolution.
Google Earth uses a blend of Viking imagery, just like we do. However, they use MOC instead of CTX imagery for that. Which results in somewhat high-res too, but they managed to make it look cut up and unnatural. Their CTX map is low coverage, and of course grey scale.
Our solution: We merge natural color photographs with high-resolution images to offer one combined image. And we'll add elevation in 2-3 days.
[1] https://www.google.com/mars/ [2] http://www.msss.com/all_projects/mgs-mars-orbiter-camera.php [3] https://trek.nasa.gov/mars/