This atlas is based on the lunar global Digital Elevation Models (DEM) of Chang'E-1 (CE-1), and presents CCD stereo image data with digital photogrammetry. The spatial resolution of the DEM in this atlas is 500m, with horizontal accuracy of 192m and vertical accuracy of 120m. Color-shaded relief maps with contour lines are used to show the lunar topographical characteristics. The topographical data gathered by CE-1 can provide fundamental information for the study of lunar topographical, morphological and geological structures, as well as for lunar evolution research.

Prof. Chunlai LI is the deputy director of National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the vice president of Chinese society of space sciences. He is also the Head of department of Lunar and deep space exploration; General designer of ground research and application system, Chinese lunar exploration program. His research interests include lunar and martian geomorphology and geology, planetary remote sensing, impact cratering, cosmochemistry, planetary meteorites and comparative planetology.