A Geologic Map of the Moon Designed with Open Data

Abstract

This article explains my design process for one of the most challenging maps in the project: a geologic map of the Moon. This Moon map was particularly difficult because the geologic data was split into six different datasets. Each dataset had unique labels (and sometimes different data formats) so I spent a lot of time piecing the data together to create a cohesive map. Though it was difficult to make, it was also one of my favorites, because there were so many unique geologic features, such as large impact craters, broad plains, and textured ridges. The Moon has no significant atmosphere, and there is little wind to erode meteorite craters once they have formed. Several huge impacts have created large geologic features still visible today, such as the Orientale basin on the southern far side visualized in bright red on my map.