Design
The word design evokes the thoughtful and intentional creation of something with both aesthetic and functional considerations. In the context of our lunar map, design is the harmonious fusion of visual elements that not only capture the beauty of the lunar landscape but also serve a purpose beyond mere illustration.
In our pursuit of design excellence, we chose to display the lunar surface in a way that transcends the typical grayscale representation. We selected a more colorful depiction that not only captures the vibrancy of human presence on the Moon but also symbolizes the potential for exploration and resource utilization. The iridescent blues, greens, and yellows of the map's color palette evoke a sense of vitality, suggesting not only the play of light in the polar regions but also the refractive lunar maria where future space mining activities may flourish. Between the flyouts and the globe, the sky is pale gray, suggesting incident radiation, or the albedo effect. The repeated theme of illumination, with stars twinkling in the background and brighter areas on the gray globe, reinforces the significance of light for enabling life beyond Earth.
Amidst this colorful portrayal, we recognized the importance of paying homage to the true gray hues of the lunar surface. In an effort to maintain a balance between the imaginative and the authentic, we used a gray-toned digital elevation model to balance the design. This deliberate inclusion serves as a nod to the lunar landscape's natural colors while allowing our artistic expression to harmoniously coexist. The map, therefore, becomes a fusion of creativity and reverence, offering viewers a visual experience that is both vibrant and grounded in the intrinsic beauty of the Moon's genuine grayscale tones. This dual approach adds layers of meaning to the design, inviting observers to appreciate not only the envisioned future of lunar exploration but also the timeless essence of the celestial body that has inspired countless generations.
In alignment with the interplay of imagination and authentic lunar representation, we integrated close-up flyouts showcasing individual roads. This duality invites viewers to experience the lunar surface not only from the familiar distance many are accustomed to but also up close, providing a unique perspective that evokes the sense of rover travel on the lunar terrain.
By contemplating the serpentine network of rover tracks on the Moon from the perspective of an advanced human species, we invite you to embark on a journey of imagination and wonder. These lunar roads, etched on the timeless canvas of the lunar surface, transcend the limitations of Earth's transitory landscapes. Much like the enduring relics of ancient civilizations, they symbolize immortality and speak of the mystery and mastery of humanity's venture into space. As Earth undergoes transformations, these planetary roads will stand unchanged, witnessing the passage of millions of years and countless lunar missions. The rarity of designing something destined to endure for millennia prompts reflection on the significance of a map of the first roads in space—an eternal testament to the boundless spirit of exploration and innovation, akin to the intrepid explorers who forged paths across Earth's uncharted territories and the first men to walk on the Moon.
Further Reading
Cameron, Eugene: Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics (1990). “Geology of Mare Tranquillitatis and Its Significance in the Mining of Helium,” https://fti.neep.wisc.edu/fti.neep.wisc.edu/pdf/wcsar9006-1.pdf
Wingo, Epps: Skycorp (2015). “Site Selection for Lunar Industrialization, Economic Development, and Settlement,” https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1089/space.2015.0023?icid=int.sj-abstract.similar-articles.4
Crawford, Ian: Progress in Physical Geography Earth and Environment 39(2):137-167, (2015). “Lunar Resources: A Review,” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267454477_Lunar_Resources_A_Review
NASA: Report to the National Space Council (2020). “NASA’s Plan for Sustained Lunar Exploration and Development,” https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/a_sustained_lunar_presence_nspc_report4220final.pdf
Ropponen: URSA Solar system meeting, Finland (2021). “Creating Interactive Moon Models with QGIS,” https://www.ursa.fi/fileadmin/ursa2010/Harrastus/Ryhmatapaamiset/aktapaaminen/2021/Kuukuvat_QGIS_ropponen.pdf
Astropedia (2023). https://astrogeology.usgs.gov/search?pmi-target=moon
