Calibrate raw planetary exploration frames, isolate iron oxide signatures with band ratios, remove atmospheric dust scattering, and sample soil reflectance across the Martian surface.
Planetary rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance carry dual Mastcam-Z cameras equipped with 11 narrowband optical bandpass filters ranging from 440nm (blue) to 1022nm (near-infrared). True color maps human vision, while near-IR filters expose olivine, pyroxene, and clay minerals otherwise concealed by uniform red surface dust.
Dividing the 800nm (NIR) signal by the 535nm (green) signal isolates hematite and crystalline iron oxides formed in the presence of ancient water. High ratio values (shown in bright amber/white on the inspector) highlight weathered sedimentary nodules, gravel lag, and aqueous alteration fronts.
Airborne Martian dust creates forward scattering that dims horizon contrast and shifts hues towards warm salmon tints. The Tau de-hazing pipeline subtracts the estimated sky-brightness pedestal and applies dark-channel prior compensation, revealing sharp stratification in distant canyon walls and crater rims.