Lunar Astronautical Charts Moon Atlas 44 bound A3 maps

Lunar Astronautical Chart (LAC) Series

44 high resolution charts of the Moon's near-side

A3 size

Lunar Astronautical Charts

Projection: Mercator and Lambert Conformal Conic

The LAC sheet layout which has often been used as a location reference in other lunar maps and publication provides for complete lunar coverage through 144 sheets. Forty-two nearside sheets have actually been published using earthbased telescopic photography and visual observations as basic sources.

The charts are constructed on a Mercator projection (true scale at 11° 00'45") for charts in bands 0° to 16°N and 0° to 16°S; and, on a Lambert conformal conic projection in the following bands:

16°N-S to 32°N-S (standard parallels 21°20' and 42°40')

32° N-S to 48°N-S (standard parallels 21°20' and 42°40')

48°N-S to 80°N-S (standard parallels 53°20' and 74°40')

The ACIC Selenodetic System (1965) was under development during the production of the LAC Series and later data sheets used this System for the selenographic control established from the measures of J. Franz and S. A. Saunders as compiled by D. W. G. Arthur and E. A. Whitaker in the Orthographic Atlas of the Moon. Gradients of major surface undulations were established by interpolating Schrutka-Rechtenstamm computations of J. Franz's measurements of 150 moon craters. The varying control sources used during the course of compilation have sometimes resulted in mismatch of contour information between adjacent sheets.

LAC charts portray lunar topography by shadient relief with a western illumination, approximate contours (300 metre interval), spot elevations, height differences between level features and crater depths. Background coloration is also used to indicate variance in reflectance of lunar areas under full illumination. Contours are omitted from many sheets (generally those covering limb areas).

Chart margin information includes an index of the series and qualifying and explanatory statements on the control, datum, nomenclature, relief portrayal, and elevation data contained.

Feature names were taken from the International Astronomical Union nomenclature system. A dashed limiting line or dotted line is used to identify some features.

The LAC Series was the principal source of available lunar cartographic information prior to the production of lunar maps from orbital photography. Its compilation included derivation of accurate local feature heights and depths through measurement of shadow images on source photography. However, use the earthbased vertical control and photography have not allowed definition of reliable regional elevation differences. By virtue of its scale, extent of coverage and topographic information contained, the LAC series continues to be of cartographic importance.

A truly superb lunar reference work!