A method to improve the accuracy of maps of the lunar surface was published last month in The Planetary Science Journal. Photoclinometry, also known as shape-from-shading, can dramatically improve the resolution of digital elevation models generated from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data, but it’s apparently rather labour-intensive. From the Brown University press release: “The scholars outline in the study how advanced computer algorithms can be used to automate much of the process and significantly heighten the resolution of the models. The new software gives lunar scientists the tools to create larger maps of the Moon’s surface that contain finer details at a much faster pace, the researchers say.” [Universe Today]