NASA-derived Gigapan photo shot at Obama Inauguration

William Atkins
Wednesday, 28 January 2009 02:23

Science - Space

The Gigapan operator takes a photographs, re-aims for another photograph, and continues to take additional pictures so that the computer software can eventually weave all the images together into a gigapixel image.

In fact, NASA states that the MER Spirit and Opportunity continue to use the Gigapan system on their exploratory missions on the planet Mars.

These missions on the surface of Mars have lasted over five years.

NASA’s article includes a link to a 2008 article concerning the Gigapan technology. Please read the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) article “Mars Cameras Make Panoramic Photography a Snap.”

According to the Mr. Bergman, “I am happy to announce that high quality prints will be available shortly. To be notified, send a blank email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .” [Gigapan.org]

The Gigapan system is owned by Gigapix Systems LLC. Its website states, "GigaPan Systems was established in 2008 as a commercial spin-off of a successful collaboration between researchers at NASA and Carnegie Mellon University that developed the breakthrough GigaPan System for creating high-resolution panoramic images. GigaPan Systems was founded to bring this powerful, high-resolution imaging capability to a broad audience."

It adds, "The GigaPan System allows experienced and novice photographers to create high-resolution panorama images more easily than ever before and the resulting GigaPan images offer viewers a new, unique perspective on the world."