Explore Mars with JMARS
The "Explore Mars" Map Layer
The Explore Map is currently (2023) the default layer. The Explore Map is a "Dynamic Mix of MOLA, THEMIS, and CTX Global Mosaics." (JMARS). This map changes the data source automatically with different zoom levels for the best view for that zoom level. To learn more double click the layer and then the info icon, , or continue reading below as you practice with JMARS. Keep the Colorized Elevation layer on to access numeric data for tools.
1. Open JMARS. If you skipped downloading JMARS, click "Get JMARS" link on home page. Registration is optional but it gives you more options. There are more instructions on this GET JMARS page.
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2. The layer shown in the main view will always be the layer at the top of the "LAYERS" column. To see other layers you can either move the white slider button to hide layers or you can click and drag a layer to the top of the layers. The layer with the gold vertical bar is that layer's data displayed next to the curser when the information (eye icon) is selected.
2. To find a feature by name you can click the search icon in the top left side of the tool bar. Type in your feature, such as "Olympus Mons", and click on the popup. Your feature is centered and labeled. Re-click on the search icon to close the window. Zoom in on your feature. You can also search for locations you have bookmarked.
3. Hints:
A. To turn off labels: Click the up arrow on the"Overlays bar" located in the lower left corner. Scroll to the Nomenclature layer. Toggle the white M circle to turn off and on the labeling. Alternatively, you can move the opacity slider to make labels less visible.
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B. To set which features are labeled, double click the“Nomenclature” layer label. In popup window, under"Selected Landmarks Types", click the command key and the feature(s) you want labeled. Close the "Nomenclature Options window without clicking "G0 TO". If you want a specific named feature, click the name under "Enter keywords", and then click "GO TO".
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C. To see features nomenclature descriptions, /definitions, click this button:
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D. To recenter your map and/or change where the longitude lines start, right click anywhere on the main view map and choose your option.
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E. To see available information about each layer: use the "eye" tool on the top right main view menu. Click the arrow tool to turn off the eye tool. Also, if you double click on the layer label and click the "i" icon in the upper right corner of the popup window.