Scientists have produced an updated geological map of the entire Moon at a scale of 1:5,000,000. One centimetre on the map represents 50 kilometres of the lunar surface.
The map is approximately 2.8 metres long and 1.2 metres high. Separate geological maps of the lunar North and South Poles have also been prepared.
The map identifies:
- more than 13,000 impact craters;
- 81 impact basins;
- 14 types of geological structures;
- 17 types of rocks.
The map incorporates new data from China’s Chang’e lunar exploration programme. Scientists have refined the Moon’s geological chronology, updated information on its mineral composition and revised the classification of lunar rocks.
However, this is not simply a more detailed representation of the lunar surface. In 2024, China had already released a lunar geological atlas at a larger scale of 1:2,500,000.
The key feature of the new map is the updating and integration of geological data on a single map sheet, with additional detail provided for the polar regions.
The map is expected to be used to identify potential spacecraft landing sites, plan future research and assess possible locations for a lunar scientific research station.
The project is particularly interesting because of its practical value. Here, geological information becomes the basis for selecting a site and making subsequent design decisions.
Even when planning facilities beyond Earth, the first step is to obtain reliable data on site conditions — only then can the location and design of future infrastructure be determined.
