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GDAL Scripts for Planetary Data

A comprehensive collection of GDAL-based Python utilities and tools developed by the USGS Astrogeology Science Center for processing planetary imagery and geospatial data.

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Overview

GDAL Scripts provides specialized tools for working with planetary body data from Mars, Moon, and other celestial bodies. These utilities extend GDAL’s capabilities with domain-specific functionality for coordinate transformations, format conversions, and planetary-specific processing tasks.

Quick Start

Get started with GDAL Scripts in minutes

Installation

Install GDAL and the required dependencies

Coordinate Conversion

Transform between pixel, meter, and lat/lon coordinates

Script Reference

Complete reference for all available scripts

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Key Features

Coordinate Transformations

Convert between pixel, meters, and lat/lon coordinate systems

IAU Projections

Planetary body projection definitions using IAU2000/2009/2015 standards

Rover Slope Analysis

Specialized baseline slope calculations for Mars rover planning

PDS4 Conversion

Convert ISIS3 cubes to PDS4 format with metadata

3D Exports

Export DEMs to PLY, OBJ, and XYZ geocentric formats

Web Mapping

Integration with WMS services for planetary data

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Use Cases

Calculate slope maps with variable baselines for rover traversability analysis. Process HiRISE imagery and generate terrain products for mission operations.
Convert pixel coordinates to geographic coordinates for any planetary body. Transform between different coordinate systems and projections.
Generate PDS4-compliant data products from ISIS3 cubes. Create FGDC metadata for planetary datasets.
Export planetary DEMs to 3D formats for use in visualization software. Generate geocentric XYZ coordinates for body-fixed reference frames.

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Getting Started

1

Install GDAL

Install GDAL with Python bindings. We recommend using Anaconda: conda install gdal
2

Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/thareUSGS/GDAL_scripts.git
cd GDAL_scripts
3

Run a Script

Most scripts are standalone and can be run directly:
python gdal2Coordinates/pixel2longlat.py sample line input.tif

View on GitHub

Explore the source code and contribute