> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/thareUSGS/GDAL_scripts/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# GDAL Scripts

> Collection of GDAL Python utilities for planetary and astrogeology data processing

# 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.

## 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.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Get started with GDAL Scripts in minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Installation" icon="download" href="/installation">
    Install GDAL and the required dependencies
  </Card>

  <Card title="Coordinate Conversion" icon="map-location-dot" href="/scripts/coordinate-conversion">
    Transform between pixel, meter, and lat/lon coordinates
  </Card>

  <Card title="Script Reference" icon="book" href="/reference/overview">
    Complete reference for all available scripts
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Key Features

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Coordinate Transformations" icon="arrows-rotate">
    Convert between pixel, meters, and lat/lon coordinate systems
  </Card>

  <Card title="IAU Projections" icon="globe">
    Planetary body projection definitions using IAU2000/2009/2015 standards
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rover Slope Analysis" icon="chart-line">
    Specialized baseline slope calculations for Mars rover planning
  </Card>

  <Card title="PDS4 Conversion" icon="file-export">
    Convert ISIS3 cubes to PDS4 format with metadata
  </Card>

  <Card title="3D Exports" icon="cube">
    Export DEMs to PLY, OBJ, and XYZ geocentric formats
  </Card>

  <Card title="Web Mapping" icon="earth-americas">
    Integration with WMS services for planetary data
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Use Cases

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Mars Rover Mission Planning">
    Calculate slope maps with variable baselines for rover traversability analysis. Process HiRISE imagery and generate terrain products for mission operations.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Planetary Coordinate Conversions">
    Convert pixel coordinates to geographic coordinates for any planetary body. Transform between different coordinate systems and projections.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Data Archive Preparation">
    Generate PDS4-compliant data products from ISIS3 cubes. Create FGDC metadata for planetary datasets.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="3D Visualization">
    Export planetary DEMs to 3D formats for use in visualization software. Generate geocentric XYZ coordinates for body-fixed reference frames.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Getting Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install GDAL">
    Install GDAL with Python bindings. We recommend using Anaconda: `conda install gdal`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Clone the Repository">
    ```bash theme={null}
    git clone https://github.com/thareUSGS/GDAL_scripts.git
    cd GDAL_scripts
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run a Script">
    Most scripts are standalone and can be run directly:

    ```bash theme={null}
    python gdal2Coordinates/pixel2longlat.py sample line input.tif
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Card title="View on GitHub" icon="github" href="https://github.com/thareUSGS/GDAL_scripts">
  Explore the source code and contribute
</Card>