Back to basics: Mapping – Seda Ozdemir-Fritz (OeWF)

Introduction to Analog Mission Mapping

In this session, Dr. Seda Özdemir-Fritz from the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) introduces educators to the fundamental skills of mapping applied in analog space exploration missions. Analog mapping involves manual and digital techniques essential for navigation, hazard avoidance, and operational planning, closely mirroring actual missions to Mars and other remote environments.

📌 Why Mapping Matters:

• Essential for navigation and decision-making in exploration.
• Applied in remote and extreme environments (space, polar regions, etc.).
• Crucial for teaching geography, STEM, and sustainability.

Key Types of Maps Used in Analog Missions

🔹 Operational Maps: Essential for navigation and wayfinding.
🔹 Hazard Maps: Identify danger zones, obstacles, and environmental risks.
🔹 Base Maps: Provide geological, terrain, and topographic information.

Core Field Techniques for Mapping

Participants learn practical field methods used in analog missions, including:

• Compass-based navigation
• Manual sketching & annotation
• Grid-based mapping techniques
• Manual terrain mapping without relying on GPS

Hands-On Activities for Teachers

1. Manual Sketch Mapping Activity

Participants practice manually mapping an environment, enhancing their spatial awareness and planning skills:
📝 Materials: Graph paper, pencils, compass (available via smartphone).
✅ Process: Mark features, landmarks, assign coordinates, and note obstacles.

2. Route Planning for Analog Missions

Participants design exploration routes for astronauts:
🗺️ Tasks:

• Identify starting points and key waypoints.
• Mark hazards and alternative safe paths.
• Prepare a navigation guide usable by another exploration team.

Analog vs. Digital Mapping

Participants compare mapping methodologies:
🔹 Analog Mapping: Low-cost, accessible, hands-on, uses sketches and field notes.
🔹 Digital Mapping: Precise, software-based, integrates remote sensing data.
🔸 Hybrid classroom approaches combine both for comprehensive learning.

Open-Source Mapping Tools for Educators

Participants explore readily available mapping tools to incorporate into their teaching:

• QGIS: Professional GIS software for spatial analysis (qgis.org).
• Google Earth & My Maps: User-friendly mapping (Google Earth, My Maps).
• OpenStreetMap (OSM): Crowdsourced global maps (openstreetmap.org).
• NASA Worldview & Sentinel Hub: Earth observation tools (worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov, sentinel-hub.com).

Case Studies in Mapping Techniques

Participants review real-world case studies highlighting mapping’s practical applications:

• NASA Apollo Missions: Strategies used by astronauts for lunar exploration.
• OeWF Mars Analog Field Studies: Insights into field mapping techniques and their application in simulated Mars environments.

Mars Mapping & Topography Exploration

Participants explore examples of Mars topographic maps used in real NASA missions:

• Detailed exploration of Gale Crater and the traverses of NASA’s Curiosity Rover.
  🔗 Explore Gale Crater – Video
  🔗 Mars Topography Overview – Video