Gerd Hesina

About

Gerd Hesina is a leading figure in planetary robotics and 3D geospatial visualization, whose work has fundamentally advanced how scientists explore the Martian surface. His primary research focuses on developing sophisticated software frameworks for processing, fusing, and visualizing multi-source planetary imagery. Hesina’s most significant contribution is the creation of the PRoViDE (Planetary Robotics Vision Data Exploitation) framework, which provides a complete workflow for generating accurate 3D geological models from rover and orbiter data. This work culminated in the development of the Planetary Robotics 3-D Viewer (PRo3D), a powerful tool that allows geologists to conduct detailed, virtual analysis of Martian digital outcrop models. His 2018 paper on PRo3D, with 49 citations, demonstrates the tool’s critical role in mapping surface geology and guiding rover operations. By transforming raw image mosaics into interactive, high-fidelity 3D environments, Hesina has enabled researchers to perform efficient and reliable geological analysis without being on Mars, making him a key enabler of modern planetary science and exploration.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Geological Analysis of Martian Rover‐Derived Digital Outcrop Models Using the 3‐D Visualization Tool, Planetary Robotics 3‐D Viewer—PRo3D

   49 citations · 2018
2. 2
   The<scp>PRoViDE</scp>Framework: Accurate<scp>3D</scp>Geological Models for Virtual Exploration of the Martian Surface from Rover and Orbital Imagery

   9 citations · 2022
3. 3
   PRoViDE: Planetary Robotics Vision Data Processing and Fusion

   3 citations · 2015

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links