Refers to maps of the surfaces of planets other than Earth, or the surfaces of moons, suns, or other celestial bodies. Modern maps of this kind are based on coordinate systems analogous to latitude and longitude used on Earth. In most cases, such modern maps are compiled from photographic observations made with Earth-based equipment or with instruments carried aboard spacecraft. The term is also used to refer to charts of stars and the heavens, where its meaning overlaps with "astronomical charts"; however, "astronomical maps" is most commonly used for all such depictions derived by modern technology.
