China is scheduled to complete a next-generation geological map of Mars by the end of 2028, according to Hou Zengqian, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and chief scientist for the Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission.
Integrating Zhurong Rover Data With Global Observations
The upcoming mapping project incorporates findings from the Zhurong rover, which landed on Mars in 2021 as part of the Tianwen-1 mission. Data transmitted by Zhurong indicate that an extensive ancient ocean covered parts of the planet roughly 3.5 billion years ago, alongside evidence pointing to a brief flooding event about 1.6 billion years ago. These findings provide crucial context for understanding Mars’ past climate evolution and will serve as foundational data for the new geological survey.
To build a comprehensive global database, the project will combine Tianwen-1 data with observations from Martian orbiters operated by the United States and the European Space Agency (ESA). By merging imagery, spectral readings, radar, gravity, and magnetic field data, researchers intend to connect various physical terrains across the planet.
Developing a New Martian Geological Timescale
Current geological divisions of Mars—namely the Noachian, Hesperian, and Amazonian periods—rely primarily on crater density rather than absolute dating. China’s initiative seeks to develop a refined geological time-division system and advocate for it to become an international reference point.
Artificial intelligence will play a central role in interpreting the gathered data. According to project outlines, geologist expertise will be embedded into rule-based models to ensure analytical results remain fully explainable, while multi-scale attention techniques will aid in progressive feature extraction from local mineral identification to global tectonic unit division.
Target Outputs and Future Planetary Mapping
The final deliverables slated for completion by late 2028 include a 1:5 million scale geological map of Mars, a 1:50,000 scale map of landing regions, and several thematic atlases. The effort is expected to produce the world’s first smart Mars geological map.
Project leaders intend for the resulting smart mapping framework to act as a template for future exploration of the Moon, Venus, and asteroids.
Did you know? The Zhurong rover’s discoveries of a primordial ocean from billions of years ago and a later flood event are directly shaping how scientists recalibrate the timeline of Martian climate history.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mars Mapping Project
When will China’s next-generation Mars geological map be finished?
The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2028.
What data sources are being used for the maps?
The project relies primarily on data from China’s Tianwen-1 mission—including the Zhurong rover—supplemented by spacecraft data from the United States and the European Space Agency.
What specific maps and atlases will the project produce?
Researchers plan to deliver a 1:5 million scale geological map of Mars, a 1:50,000 scale landing site map, and a series of thematic atlases.