Shandong University (SDU) has been part of the compilation team for an updated geological map of the entire moon at a scale of 1:5 million. The project was led by the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, in collaboration with several Chinese universities and research institutes.

The main map measures about 280 centimeters long and 120 centimeters high and includes inset geological maps of the moon's polar regions. It documents more than 13,000 impact craters and 81 impact basins, and delineates 14 types of geological structures and 17 types of rocks.

Drawing on findings from China's Chang'e lunar exploration program and other recent research, the team revised the lunar geological time scale. The starting ages of the Aitkenian, Nectarian and Imbrian periods were changed to 4.33, 4.17 and 3.92 billion years ago, respectively.

The map also includes higher-resolution data on the distribution of essential minerals on the lunar surface and refines the rock classification system.

Research from the Chang'e 4 and Chang'e 6 missions prompted scientists to identify gabbronorite, a previously unrecognized rock type, as a distinct classification within the South Pole-Aitken Basin. This discovery offers new insights into the materials originating from the moon's deep interior.

For the 1:5 million scale, the team set various minimum mapping thresholds according to feature category. This ensures the map remains clear while preserving key geological details of scientific importance.

The map is expected to facilitate future lunar research, landing site selection, and deep-space exploration.