Magellan radar images are combined with altimetry to develop a vertically exaggerated three-dimensional map of the surface. Radarclinometry and simulated color are used to enhance the small scale structure of the surface features.
Our flight begins with a view of the northern face of Maat Mons, (a 3 mile high volcano). We fly over Maat Mons and around Sapas Mons (a 1.3 mile high volcano). The flight ends with a final view of the nothern face of Maat Mons.
Computer animation techniques were used to create this simulated flight over the surface of Venus. This video sequence uses radar mapping data recorded by the Magellan spacecraft during September 1990 to February 1991.
Simulated color approximates hues which might be seen by the human eye, based on color images recorded by the Venera 13 and 14 spacecraft. The brightness variations are due to changes in roughness, slope and composition.
The vertical scale of this flight is exaggerated by a factor of 10. Five mosaics of radar images from selected orbits were used to create this animation sequence.