NESTED PHOTOGEOLOGIC MAPS FOR ARTEMIS LUNAR EXPLORATION

Geologic maps are used at all stages of lunar exploration, from identifying global features worthy of scientific study to selecting landing sites for crewed or robotic missions to determining which way an Artemis astronaut should walk to collect a unique boulder sample. Thus, maps are ‘fit for purpose’ tools designed to meet user needs. Yet, how do we select applicable scales to ensure that many users—from mission planners to astronauts—have the cartographic information they need for timely informed decisions? Here, we propose adopting the map scales and terminology currently defined by the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and used in military theaters for use in the lunar ‘Artemis Theater’.

To illustrate the utility of nested maps at these scales, we present a series of global (1:10M), regional (1:250K), local (1:50K), and specialized geologic maps (1:10k, 1:5K) for landing regions on de Gerlache crater rim. We use the stratigraphy defined by global maps to develop regional maps and investigate relationships between the older Nectarian highlands (basin and massif units) and younger Imbrian fill (terra and plains units). Where these units cross-cut each other on the de Gerlache crater rim, we use local maps to link widespread lithologies to topography and geomorphic expression. Finally, we use specialized maps to identify critical contacts, select navigation zones, and pinpoint locations for crewed exploration and potential sample collection. We note that global maps are essential to developing long-term mission concepts, for example, comparing the lunar mare to the highlands (an Apollo-era objective) or characterizing the geology of the lunar South Pole (an Artemis-era objective). Local and specialized geologic maps, likewise, will be the key to future crewed and robotic mission realization.