HiRISE and “The Martian”  
Scene from The Martian


Ares 3 and “The Martian”Ares 3 and “The Martian”
This region of Mars is actually far more diverse, interesting, and hazardous to drive over than depicted in Andy Weir's novel.
Ares 3 Landing Site: The Martian RevisitedAres 3 Landing Site: The Martian Revisited
We can't see the book's Ares 3 habitat because it arrives sometime in the future, so this is the "before" image.
The Ares 3 Landing Site: Where Science Fact Meets FictionThe Ares 3 Landing Site: Where Science Fact Meets Fiction
Andy Weir, the author of "The Martian" had requested that we take a picture of the Ares 3 landing site from his novel in Acidalia Planitia, within driving distance from the Pathfinder lander and Sojourner rover.
From Ares 3 to Ares 4From Ares 3 to Ares 4
Our image of a site in "The Martian" shows a flat region that is entirely mantled by bright dust.
Western Edge of Marth Crater Western Edge of Marth Crater
This HiRISE image shows the nature of terrain that serves as a dramatic background for a scene in "The Martian."