Beyond Traditional Geologic Mapping: The NASA-USGS Lunar Mapping Program (LMAP) for Operational Success

The discipline of planetary geologic mapping has experienced a renaissance over the past two decades, driven by increasing spacecraft exploration and rapid development of geographic information system (GIS) technologies. Unlike terrestrial mapping based on direct field observations, planetary maps depend on remote data, requiring careful inference of lithology and formation processes. As NASA prepares for Artemis missions, traditional planetary geologic maps must evolve beyond documenting phenomena to
become operational tools that support mission planning and execution.

The Lunar Mapping Program (LMAP), a NASA pilot initiative supported by the USGS, is transforming planetary geologic map creation through an accelerated, team-based campaign approach. Using the Shackleton-de Gerlache ridge region as a test area - with its mix of smooth and rugged terrain (-4380 to 1959 m elevation) and extensive permanently shadowed regions (25.1%) - the team is developing mapping methods that can be applied anywhere in the lunar south pole region. LMAP employs a novel dual-scale mapping strategy, recognizing that no single map can tell the whole story. 

The project combines regional context mapping at 1:150,000 with detailed 1:30,000 scale products, drawing from high-resolution LROC NAC mosaics (1 m/pixel), DEMs (5 m/pixel), and ShadowCam data to characterize  surface properties that matter to both scientists and engineers. LMAP brings together five essential components: traditional geologic maps showing stratigraphy and history, surface feature maps for traverse planning, hazard assessments identifying slopes and boulder fields, resource locations highlighting water ice and construction materials, and logistics planning that brings it all together. Think of it as creating not just a single map, but rather a comprehensive atlas. The team is working closely with key partners including NASA Flight Operations, the Artemis Geospatial Science Team, and the Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium (LSIC) to ensure these maps will serve real operational needs for Artemis V and beyond. Through parallel mapping teams under a tight, structured timeline, we are streamlining traditional mapping processes without sacrificing scientific quality, backed by USGS expertise and thorough review.

This pilot project charts new territory in planetary geologic mapping, producing both immediate tools - published as USGS Open File Reports - and proven approaches for future rapid mapping campaigns. These innovations have the potential to shape how we map the Moon for years to come. By adapting existing cartographic standards to remotely predicted features and being clear about our confidence in geologic interpretations, LMAP establishes better ways to support the next generation of lunar exploration.