抄録
In this paper we propose a new data format for lunar and planetary exploration called "XPEF" (XML-based Planetary Exploration Data Format). The XPEF is based on XML, a framework widely used for data description and exchange, and data themselves are stored in individual format with their thumbnails and packed as a single archive. Therefore, XPEF is database-friendly, easy to display, and robust from data corruption. Our purpose in designing a new data format is to improve the difficulty which researchers meet in using the PDS (Planetary Data System). Currently, most of lunar and planetary exploration data are dealt with the PDS. The data format used in PDS, however, has several inconvenient aspects from the view point of current informatics such as poor interoperability of database systems and insufficient capability for data integrity assurance and data browsing. In this paper, the concept and design of XPEF and implementation status of XPEF processing system, including data translation mechanism from the data format in the PDS to XPEF over the network called Messaging Network, will be presented.
