Planetary Map Index
Indexes of the Planets and Satellites
Original publication by J.L. Inge and R.M. Batson, 1992.
Introduction
Beginning with the systematic mapping of the lunar surface more than three decades ago, over 1600 maps of the planets and satellites of the Solar System have been produced by the U.S. Geological Survey and by divisions of the Defense Mapping Agency. This collection of maps is a unique resource that has been derived from images and data returned by a series of remarkably successful space missions. Many of the maps have not been replicated or updated with data from new missions, and thus they represent a very special legacy from the beginnings of space exploration. The total map database includes controlled photomosaics, geologic maps, shaded relief portrayals, topographic maps, and panoramas of the martian surface. A digital image map of Mars has recently been released on six CD-ROM optical disks, along with a digital terrain model of Mars on a single disk. The collection has been documented by Schimerman (1975) and by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS, 1985, 1987, and 1990), but the documentation is poorly distributed and incomplete. These indexes have therefore been compiled to provide a comprehensive listing of all published maps.
Most lunar mapping was done by the U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC), which later became the Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center (DMAAC), and by the Army Map Service (AMS), which later became the Defense Mapping Agency Topographic Command (DMATC). The USGS compiled most others. The government agencies and private corporations that made maps have different map distribution facilities, and therefore it is not possible to maintain a central repository of all lunar and planetary maps. Many of the maps are out of print, as are all but one of the globes. Nevertheless, the indexes should be a valuable resource for students of the planets and an important starting point for the acquisition of cartographic data.
The listings begin with maps of Mercury and proceed outward in the Solar System to Neptune's satellite, Triton. Within each planet or satellite category, listings are separated into different scales and series, such as 1:2,000,000-scale controlled photomosaics or 1:5,000,000-scale contour maps; a graphic presentation of the smaller scale sheets is shown on an index map of the related primary. Additional information about each map's location, year of publication, availability, and publishing agency is also included. Finally, the listings have been sorted by other parameters, such as the type of map or map scale, to facilitate searches for hard-to-find maps.
The authors have attempted to ensure that these indexes are complete and comprehensive as of the date of publication. Users noting errors are encouraged to submit their findings to us. Suggestions regarding the parameters used for sorting the lists or additions to the lists are also requested.
Update (2005): The index was converted to a database-driven web site by Deborah Lee Soltesz. Populating, testing, and reviewing the data served on this site are being with the support of the Regional Planetary Image Facility run by the USGS Astrogeology Research Program. Adrienne Wasserman assisted with the population of the database and continues to assist with updates to the information it holds. Additional improvements to the site are under development by Robert Sucharski and Deborah Lee Soltesz. In addition to this site, the RPIF uses the database for its map inventory, streamlining the process of delivering current and correct information. At this time, all the information delivered by the Planetary Map Index are under review for consistency and accuracy.