Data Analysis for Optimization of Mars Terraforming: A GIS Framework

This study has developed a GIS framework that uses spatial environmental and climate data to better understand areas on Earth that share the most environmental similarities to Mars. The purpose of developing this framework is to determine which vegetation is most likely to survive in closed bioregenerative life support systems on Mars, using as many in-situ materials and environmental elements as possible. Using remotely sensed climate data, digital elevation models, and vegetation occurrence data sourced from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, three Mars-like study areas on Earth were analysed (the Antarctic Peninsula, Ellesmere Island, and Devon Island). This study found that plants that are part of the Bryophyte and Tracheophyta phyla are worthy of further research in regard to possible vegetation candidates that could be brought to Mars. In addition, the most promising candidate of the entire study is the genus Poa, which is found in the phylum Tracheophyta.