# Summary of #hplusroadmap IRC Log (August 12, 2012)

The log contained minimal substantive discussion, but these points emerged:

* NASA's Mars Curiosity rover images were shared (http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl-raw-images/msss/00003/mcam/0003ML0000125000E1_DXXX.jpg), prompting a discussion about image quality and transmission constraints versus scientific needs.

* Participants debated the value of high-resolution imagery in space exploration, noting that quality images serve both scientific purposes and help secure research funding.

* Pixar Animation Studios' OpenSubdiv library was shared (https://github.com/PixarAnimationStudios/OpenSubdiv), though without further discussion of its applications.

* Several participants mentioned they were engaged in productive programming work, though specific details about their projects were not shared.

* The conversation briefly touched on the visual similarity between Earth and Mars terrain, with one participant expressing surprise at how "normal" the Martian landscape appeared.