1961 U.S.G.S. Photogeologic Map of the Moon (wall map) - landmark Lunar map!

Important Moon map made for the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing.

A 1961 landmark study of the Moon made by the U.S. Geological Survey in preparation for the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing Mission. Represents the near side of the Moon on a scale of 1:3,800,000. This spectacular monumentally proportioned map details the physical geography of the moon, noting craters, seas, mountains, and other formations. The work done in compiling this map led Hackman to develop the basis for all future planetary mapping and laid the foundations for photogeology. Author C. Clarke's lunar explorers used this map for their 'Journey by Earthlight' in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Originally prepared by the scientists Robert J. Hackman and Arnold C. Mason in 1960 based on photographs taken at Lick Observatory, San Jose, California. This is the second edition issued in 1961.

Cartographer

The United States Geological Survey (March 3, 1879 - present), commonly abbreviated USGS, is an American federal scientific bureau and civilian mapping agency within the Department of the Interior, established in Washington, D.C., and subsequently headquartered in Reston, Virginia. Congress created the Survey to classify public lands and investigate the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain, replacing separate western investigations with a permanent scientific organization. Its first director, Clarence King (1842 - 1901), organized geological investigations and recruited experienced scientists and topographers from earlier federal surveys. Under his successor, John Wesley Powell (1834 - 1902), director from 1881 to 1894, topographic mapping expanded from support for individual geological investigations into a nationwide undertaking. Congressional authorization in 1882 to continue preparation of a geological map of the United States extended the Survey's work into the eastern states, while systematic topographic mapping received authorization in 1884. Henry Gannett (1846 - 1914), the Survey's chief geographer, helped establish enduring methods and standards for this work. Its topographic quadrangles represented terrain through contour lines alongside drainage, settlements, roads, and other features, furnishing a common geographic foundation for scientific investigation and practical land use. During the 20th century, the Survey's mapping evolved from field surveying and compilation toward aerial photography, photogrammetry, and digital geographic information systems. A formal program begun in 1947 to map the conterminous United States at 1:24,000 scale culminated in nationwide coverage in 1992, comprising more than 55,000 maps. The Survey also produced geological and thematic maps and assembled national geographic information. In 2009 it introduced US Topo, a digitally generated successor to its traditional topographic quadrangles. Its continuing cartographic work includes The National Map, digital topographic products, and public access to historical quadrangles, alongside broader investigations of water, ecosystems, mineral and energy resources, and natural hazards.   Further Details...

Source

Hackman, R. & Mason, A., Engineer Special Study of the Surface of the Moon, 1861 (2nd edition).    

Condition

Near flawless. Original folds. No damage or discoloration of any sort.

References

Clarke, A. C., 2001: A Space Odyssey, 'Journey by Earthlight'. Lunar and Planetary Institute, USGS I 351.