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Planetary geologic maps are crucial tools for understanding the geological features and processes of solid bodies in the Solar System. Over the past six decades, best practices in planetary geologic mapping have emphasized clear and objective observation, geological interpretation, multi‐sensor fusion, and iterative revision of maps based on new data. We summarize here four ways in which maps serve as indispensable instruments for scientific investigation, from enhancing observations to interrogating surface processes. With respect to space exploration, we underscore the role of planetary geologic maps as tools to link testable, hypothesis‐driven science to exploration goals and provide actionable information for hazard identification, resource evaluation, sample collection, and potential infrastructure development. To further advance the field of planetary geologic mapping, international collaboration is essential. This includes sharing data and maps through FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) platforms, establishing standardized mapping practices, promoting diverse nomenclature, and fostering continued cooperation in space exploration. Plain Language Summary: We summarize why planetary geologic maps are important for science and space exploration. We review the history of these maps and present four ways in which planetary geologic maps contribute to scientific understanding. We further outline six ways in which maps help humanity plan and execute space missions productively and safely. These endeavors require international participation; thus, we end with a call for collaboration to train the next generation of mappers, develop maps for future missions, and use maps to communicate the significance of space exploration to everyone. Key Points: Planetary geologic maps are critical products that link science goals and objectives to space explorationMaps are also used to support safe and productive surface navigation and are imperative for crewed and robotic surface missionsInternational cooperation is essential to produce maps needed in the coming decade [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chuanlinggou Formation in the northern North China preserves the world's earliest multicellular eukaryote microfossils. Here we present a high‐precision zircon U–Pb CA–ID–TIMS age of 1,641.7 ± 1.2 Ma for a tuff layer within the black shales of the Chuanlinggou Formation. The new age is similar to those obtained for black shales from the Cuizhuang Formation in the southern North China, and the Barney Creek and Fraynes formations in the North Australia, indicating synchronous deposition of large volumes of black shales across both the North China and North Australia at ca. 1640 Ma. Global correlations and analysis of the spatial distribution of ca. 1640 Ma black shales and large igneous provinces (LIPs) and associated magmatic rocks in paleogeographic reconstruction reveal a spatiotemporal link between the ca. 1640 Ma LIPs and black shales. The widely distributed ca. 1640 Ma LIPs and black shales in Columbia supercontinent can provide a natural marker for the Statherian/Calymmian boundary at 1,640 Ma. Plain Language Summary: Phanerozoic boundaries and the base of the Ediacaran in the international chronostratigraphic time scale are defined by Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSPs). However, the pre‐Ediacaran geological time scale is formally subdivided by approximate absolute ages not tied to any geological units. Our new high‐precision zircon U–Pb CA–ID–TIMS dating of a tuff horizon within black shales of the Chuanlinggou Formation in the North China combined with geochronology on black shales on other crustal blocks reveals synchronous deposition of voluminous black shales at ca. 1640 Ma across the North China, North Australia and other cratons, and a spatiotemporal and possible causal link between the ca. 1640 Ma LIPs and black shales in the Columbia (Nuna) supercontinent. The global‐scale geological event represented by the ca. 1640 Ma LIPs and coeval black shales can provide a natural marker for the Statherian/Calymmian boundary at ca. 1640 Ma in the international chronostratigraphic time scale. Key Points: A tuff layer within black shales from the Chuanlinggou Formation has a high‐precision U–Pb CA–ID–TIMS zircon age of 1,641.7 ± 1.2 MaDeposition of large volumes of black shales occurred synchronously at ca. 1640 Ma across the North China, North Australia and other cratonsThe global‐scale ca. 1640 Ma LIPs and black shales can provide a natural marker for the Statherian/Calymmian boundary at 1,640 Ma [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The many components of the Earth System are linked through complex feedbacks that can be revealed in large compilations of diverse geochemical proxy data for paleoclimate and ocean conditions. In those archives, for example, temporal and spatial trends can be visualized as topologies ('landscapes') defined by areas of high-density data, corresponding to steady states (= stability basins) maintained by negative feedbacks. The boundaries between those stability basins, representing low-density data areas (potential tipping points), are crossed when external drivers are involved, moving the system to a new steady state. These external drivers are often associated with positive feedbacks. As a proof of concept, we produced a stability 'landscape' using an extensive set of published carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope data from sedimentary carbonates spanning the last 2.5 billion years. The superimposed C-O isotopic pathways show a preference for particular regions of the 'landscape' at different times in Earth history. Major excursions reflect positive loops often set into motion by external inputs (drivers) that can overwhelm the system, such as major volcanic and tectonic events and human-induced climate effects. Our approach can be applied to other proxy datasets, and multivariate statistical treatments, including machine-learning approaches, can potentially yield a robust, high-resolution 'landscape' of the Earth System through time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]