Analysis of Martian terrains using optical power spectra

Planetary geological studies are almost entirely based on the analysis of orbital imagery. In the case of Mars, optical power spectra are providing the photogeologist with an additional aid in his task of classification and characterization of diverse terrains. Statistical pattern recognition techniques using optical power spectral data may be especially valuable in subdividing terrain units with characteristics that are only subtly different and in correlation of isolated patches of similar materials that are widely separated on the planet's surface.