Created in 1969 at the height of the Apollo era, the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center’s Map of the Moon is a compelling synthesis of science, cartography, and exploration. Its chief subjects are lunar geography and topography, presented through a color photo mosaic enhanced by expert relief shading that lends the surface a striking three-dimensional presence. Place names, orientation marks at the poles, and a neatly organized coordinate grid frame an atlas-like portrait of the Moon at the very moment it became a navigable world. An inset of the far side completes the global view, making this map both a historical landmark of the space race and an enduring key to understanding our nearest celestial neighbor.

The map’s infographics translate complex geological information into intuitive visual language. High-resolution photographic tiles are blended into a seamless mosaic, while shaded relief models the subtleties of crater rims, rilles, and mountainous ramps, clarifying form at a glance. Informational text panels annotate major features and processes, and the labeled grid—using selenographic coordinates—lets viewers pinpoint locations with the precision required for mission planning. Cardinal directions and clearly marked poles resolve lunar orientation challenges that often confuse casual observers, effectively bridging the gap between raw imagery and field-ready chart. The result is a document that reads as both an authoritative reference and a visual narrative of the Moon’s formation and evolution.

Familiar landmarks are rendered with scientific clarity and aesthetic poise. Tycho’s radiant ray system fans across the southern highlands; Copernicus displays its broad, terraced walls and central peaks; Clavius spans the page with nested craters arching in grand procession. On the dark-floored Plato, subtle tone shifts hint at basaltic plains, while the intensely bright Aristarchus stands out as a beacon against surrounding terrain. The great lunar maria—Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, Mare Tranquillitatis, and Mare Nubium—are distinguished by tonal contrasts and edge-shadowing that outline ancient basins and wrinkle ridges. Mountain arcs and ridgelines rise convincingly from the shading, and discreet scientific symbols flag areas of interest, including markers for prospective landing sites that forecast the next chapters of lunar exploration.

The far-side inset is a concise masterclass in comparative selenography. By isolating the hemisphere long hidden from Earth, it invites a direct visual comparison: densely cratered highlands dominate, maria are scarce, and basin structures differ in character from the familiar near-side seas. The same symbology—place names where established, a fine coordinate mesh, and relief shading—ensures continuity with the main map. Clearly indicated polar references aid orientation in this less intuitive vista. Together, these panels provide a complete, globally consistent dataset that supports everything from classroom discovery to professional study of crustal asymmetry, impact history, and the geologic forces that sculpted the lunar surface.

The ACIC’s cartographic rigor underpins every element. Known for supplying precision charts to aviators and astronauts alike, the center pioneered controlled lunar photomosaics and photogrammetric methods that helped narrow Apollo-era landing choices, including the storied Mare Tranquillitatis. Their style—clean hierarchies of type, measured use of color, and disciplined symbology—derives from aeronautical charting, where legibility is mission-critical. Here, that discipline becomes an elegant design language: labels clarify without clutter, grids guide without distraction, and annotations enrich without overwhelming. As a historical artifact, the map captures the optimism and exactitude of 1969; as a scientific tool, it remains a lucid gateway to the Moon’s grand relief and enduring mysteries.

Places on this map

• Craters:
• Tycho
• Copernicus
• Clavius
• Plato
• Aristarchus
• Maria (Lunar Plains):
• Mare Imbrium
• Mare Serenitatis
• Mare Tranquillitatis
• Mare Nubium
• Highlands: Areas like the lunar highlands visible on the map.
• Ridges and Mountains: Various mountain ranges and ridges in lunar geography.
• Scientific Features: Additional markers indicating potential landing sites for future missions.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Topographical Shading: Displays the relief of the lunar surface.
• Place Names: Various craters and plains are labeled.
• Inset for Far Side: A visual section dedicated to the Moon's far side.
• North and South Poles: Clearly marked orientation indicating cardinal directions.
• Photo Mosaic Technique: Use of high-resolution images for detailed representation.
• Informational Text: Provides insights into the features of the Moon.
• Coordinates Grid: Labeled rows and columns for navigation reference.

Historical and design context

• Publisher: Created by the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center, United States Air Force in 1969.
• Mapmaker Context: The Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC) provided crucial mapping services for military and scientific purposes and was pivotal during the lunar exploration era.
• Topics and Themes: The scientific exploration of the Moon, especially during the Apollo program era.
• Topics and Themes: Presentation of data through infographics that communicate complex geological information effectively.
• Countries/Regions Shown: Not applicable, as this map is focused solely on the Moon.
• Historical Significance: Represents the peak of scientific interest in lunar geography during the space race and aids in navigation and research for future lunar missions.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This artwork is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The work is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present an art print without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas art and explore the differences between my different finishes.