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About

Ana Pires is a pioneering researcher in planetary analog studies and geospatial technologies, with a focus on leveraging Earth’s volcanic landscapes to prepare for future lunar and Martian exploration. Her most cited work, "Azorean Lava Tube Systems: A Proposal for a New Planetary Analog Site," introduces the Azores as a critical analog environment for studying lava tubes—natural subsurface cavities that could serve as habitats on the Moon and Mars. This research, garnering 4 citations, underscores her contribution to designing mission architectures that utilize these structures for shelter and resource extraction. Pires also advances methodological innovation, as seen in her work on unmanned system technologies in rock quarries, where she integrates LiDAR-based mapping with GIS geovisualization to document geomining heritage. With 2 citations, this study demonstrates her skill in coupling field robotics with spatial analysis for environmental monitoring. Her achievements include establishing the Azores as a recognized analog site, bridging geology and space exploration, and promoting sustainable practices in heritage sites. Pires’ interdisciplinary approach inspires students and researchers to explore how terrestrial geology can unlock the secrets of planetary surfaces, making her a key figure in analog research and geospatial science.