China released a set of 1:2.5 million lunar geologic atlas on Sunday. It is the first complete high-definition lunar geologic atlas in the world, providing basic map data for future lunar research and exploration.

The atlas was jointly compiled by academician Ouyang Ziyuan and researcher Liu Jianzhong from the Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with scientists and cartographers from Jilin University, Shandong University, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), the Geological Institute of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, and the Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The compilation work began in 2012.

The research and compilation team stated that the high-definition lunar geologic atlas is compiled in both Chinese and English.

The main map identifies and marks 12,341 impact craters, 81 impact basins, 17 types of rocks, and 14 types of structures on the global Moon, which established a classification system for the subcategories of basin construction.

An unveiling ceremony for the release of 1:2.5 million lunar geologic atlas is held in Beijing, April 21, 2024. (Photo/China News Service)