The world's first comprehensive geologic map of the moon to a scale of 1:2,500,000. (PHOTO: Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

By Staff Reporters

The world's first 1:2,500,000 scale map of the entire moon is now a reality.  Recently released by scientists from the Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences and other organizations, the map includes 12,341 impact craters, 81 impact basins, 17 rock types and 14 types of structures.

This intricate detail offers information about geology of the moon and its evolution, which is of great importance for lunar scientific research, lunar exploration planning and landing site selection.

The map was drawn based on data from China's Chang'e project, while data and research results from international organizations were also adopted.

By researching the stratum, morphology, components, structure and geological age of the lunar surface, scientists proposed a new geochronometric scale for the moon, establishing a classification system of impact crater materials, impact basin construction, rock types and structure types.

The scientists then set up the standard, process, method and legend of drawing a comprehensive map of the moon. With the help of Geographic Information System (GIS), the map was completed.

The map is available in Chinese and English, and published in paper and electronic forms. A lunar structure outline map and a distribution map of rock types were also released.

The research result was published in the journal Science Bulletin.