Abstract
This paper proposes a new method for identification of locations on an irregular-shaped small body. A 3D shape model of polygons is a representation of a small body, and an ID number of polygon can be a unique identifier of a particular location on the body. We also propose a graphical interface to specify locations of interests by identifying particular polygons in a 3D graphics display. With these concepts, we develop database system with a web-based interface for archiving images obtained through asteroid explorations missions. Database for this system stores images and a list of polygon IDs that are included in the field of view (FOV) of each image. We prepare the polygon ID-image FOV databases for Hayabusa and NEAR Shoemaker asteroid missions, by simulating actual FOVs of each images from ancillary data of spacecraft and shape models of target asteroids. Accuracy of FOV estimation and consistency of polygon ID databases are also assessed.
