NASA Releases 3D Moon Map For Visual Artists

Color and displacement maps are used in 3D animation software to paint and model an object like the Moon (via NASA/Goddard/Scientific Visualization Studio)

Christmas came early this year for visual artists: NASA’s new 3D Moon map makes it easy to build elaborate digital imagery of Earth’s satellite.

Based on a decade’s worth of data collected by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), science visualizer Ernie Wright created the online CGI Moon Kit.

The tool, originally created for the Scientific Visualization Studio (SVS) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, is now being shared as a resource for 3D artists.

“[It] will bring the LRO data within reach of lots of other artists who want to do the kinds of things that I do,” Wright, who works at the SVS, said in a statement.

Goddard scientist Noah Petro understands the value of Wright’s work—and its social implications for connecting the LRO mission with the general public.

“He can help tell the story … and illustrate difficult-to-communicate ideas or concepts,” Petro said. “So I think [Wright’s] already had some influence on how people consume the information, when they don’t even know it.”

Creating and sharing the Moon is the easy part. The real challenge, according to Wright, is setting the scene.

“Using 3D animation software is a lot like filming live action, with lights, cameras, props, and sets,” he explained. “But visualization is more like filming a documentary. You’re being factual, but you’re also creating a narrative.

“We’re putting the pictures back into context; we’re putting them back where they came from,” Wright added.

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter—a robotic spacecraft—has been circling the Moon for more than 10 years, identifying safe landing sites, locating potential resources, characterizing the environment, and demonstrating new technologies.

One of its primary goals is to accurately map the topography of the Moon in preparation for the Artemis program.

After capturing a set amount of data, the spacecraft sends bits and bytes of raw information to Earth for the LRO team to process and interpret.

While much of that output is available online, you need a steady grasp on the orbiter’s technology to really understand it. Visual animations, meanwhile, can make public data more palatable for those without a technical science background.

Now, as NASA prepares to return humans to the Moon by 2024, Wright’s animations can assist in planning safer, more successful missions: There is enough data for Wright to depict what specific lunar areas will look like in five years.

“He can tell the story that helps us communicate what we do much better than I think just us alone,” Petro said.

The CGI Moon Kit is free to download online.

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