Isis 3 Documentation

What is Isis

The Integrated System for Imagers and Spectrometers (Isis) is a specialized image processing package. It has many standard image processing operations such as contrast stretch, image algebra, filters, and statistical analysis. Isis operates on both classical two-dimensional images as well as three-dimensional cubes collected from imaging spectrometers. The real power of Isis, however, is its unique capabilities for processing data from NASA spacecraft missions such as Voyager, Viking, Galileo, Mars Global Surveyor, and Mars Odyssey.

Mission Specific Capabilities

There are three major functions which must exist in order to process EDR images (Experimental Data Records) for a particular mission. The first is the ability to ingest or convert the EDR into an Isis image. The second is to calibrate the raw DNs (e.g. number from 0 to 255) by converting them to radiance or some other planetophysical property. Finally, a camera/sensor model must be developed in order to convert the images in raw camera geometry to a usable map projection.

Cartographic Capabilities

Once the software for ingestion, calibration, and camera models are in place, a large suite of cartography programs can be utilized. These programs allow for digital mosaicking of adjacent EDRs, photometric modeling and normalization, removal of systematic noise patterns, overlaying graticules, and numerous other cartographic and scientific analysis functions.