ISS Explorer vs GlobeViewer Moon

The ISS explorer is an interactive tool for exploring the parts and pieces of the International Space Station (ISS). The application allows the user to view a 3D model of the ISS, rotate it, zoom into it, and select different parts and pieces. When the application starts, you can see a view of the entire ISS with category labels. Tabs are available on the left hand side of the screen which allow you access to information, the hierarchy, settings and application information. From this point, you can zoom into the station, revealing more labels of visible parts. The station can also be rotated to view from different angles. If a part is selected, the part is isolated so that you can focus on the specific piece. The information tab shows information about the currently isolated part. Inside the hierarchy tab, you can turn parts on or off, turn labels for parts on or off, turn parts transparent, or select a part to focus on. The parts are organized in a hierarchy to allow for systems to be described and displayed. This includes things such as truss, modules, and external platforms. The Information tab shows information about the current isolated part, system, or the full ISS if the entire station is shown.

GlobeViewer Moon is an interactive and three-dimensional representation of the entire moon surface. The globe rotation view provides an overview of all the existing designations for various surface features. If you are interested in a specific region, an even higher resolution 3D map view can be loaded in order to take a close look at the craters, grooves and other features. There are four map modes available (elevation display, photo illustration, a combination of both and a grey texture for the telescope mode). These views were created from data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. In addition, surface details (normal maps) have been obtained from the elevation data for the display, which can be combined with all map modes. Even the smallest craters, elevations, grooves and gorges are visible on the map. The lighting in the 3D map view is designed in such a way that the light can be directed into the crater from all directions. This is used to improve the visibility of height structures in the craters and is not intended to represent the real lighting situation. Realistic lighting that includes the ecliptic was also dispensed with in the globe view in favour of the visibility of the polar regions. In telescope mode the lighting is a realistic simulation including Moon phase and libration movement. So the app becomes a useful tool for telescope users. The app will recieve lot of updates in the future - this way, user feedback should flow into the further development. If you have any suggestions or ideas for further functions in the app, please contact us using the contact form on our website. We are looking forward to your feedback.