Programs to help with stellar cartography

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SUMMARY

This discussion highlights two prominent programs for stellar cartography: Astrosynthesis and ISIS. Astrosynthesis is a non-free Windows application that allows users to create detailed 3D maps of space, including stars and interstellar routes. In contrast, ISIS (Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers) is a free and open-source tool developed by the USGS Astrogeology Science Center, designed for processing data and creating cartographic products for extraterrestrial bodies. The conversation also notes the lack of open-source alternatives and mentions the 3-D Starmaps resource for aspiring starmap creators.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with 3D mapping software
  • Understanding of cartographic principles
  • Knowledge of image processing techniques
  • Basic awareness of astronomical data analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the features of Astrosynthesis for 3D space mapping
  • Learn how to use ISIS for processing extraterrestrial data
  • Research the capabilities of the 3-D Starmaps resource
  • Investigate other open-source alternatives for stellar cartography
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for astronomers, astrophysicists, software developers in the space sector, and hobbyists interested in creating detailed maps of celestial bodies and space routes.

sbrothy
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Recently saw a discussion on this topic somewhere on here. Just to get it out of the way not I’m affiliated in any way.

For Windoze there seems to be a non-free program called Astrosynthesis:

With AstroSynthesis, you can can map out large portions of space - plotting stars, interstellar routes, and subsectors. And best of all, you do it completely in 3D space! Zoom in and out on your sector, pan and rotate around stars, follow routes, and watch fantastic animation effects - all in 3D.

EDIT: “[…] interstellar routes […]”? “Shipping lanes in space”! Seems like a trope that just wont go away.

I was wondering if there are any open source POSIX contenders and stumbled across this:

ISIS:

Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers (ISIS) is free and open-source software (FOSS) developed by the USGS Astrogeology Science Center for NASA and the planetary community. ISIS is a fundamental tool for processing raw archival data into analysis ready products and includes standard image processing tools such as contrast, stretch, image algebra, filters, and statistical analysis. However, ISIS's key feature is the ability to place different types of data in the correct cartographic locations on extraterrestrial bodies. The cartographically located data can then be used to create archives, topographic or cartographic maps, digital elevation models, and other scientific products.

I bet there are some astrology programs out there that might even be somewhat accurate but obviosly I’m gonna skip those.

I expected a plethora of these but that was apparently naive.
 
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For would-be starmap-makers: a part of the Atomic Rockets website which seems to have escaped my attention so far:

Welcome to the improved 3-D Starmaps!

Make sure you check the links menu.

Hope linking to this site is OK in here. Again, I'm not affilitated.
 
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