The most accurate map of the surface of Mars ever to be created has been released by U.S. Geological Survey researchers.

The map, which is a huge step forward for scientists studying Mars, was developed with observations collected by four orbiting spacecraft during more than 16 years, Space.com reported. Using the map, scientists have pointed to new indications that the Martian surface held water in the past.

Three NASA spacecraft, including the Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, gathered data used in the map along with the European Space Agency's Mars Express probe. 

"Spacecraft exploration of Mars over the past couple decades has greatly improved our understanding of what geologic materials, events, and processes shaped its surface," lead author Kenneth Tanaka of the USGS said in a statement.

"The new geologic map brings this research together in a holistic context that helps to illuminate key relationships in space and time, providing information to generate and test new hypotheses."

So far, scientists have gathered from the data that Mars is older than they previously thought.

"Three times as much surface area formed during the Early Noachian Epoch--the first major geologic time period, which ranges from about 4.1 to 3.7 billion years ago--than had been previously mapped," Space.com reported.

Numerous meteorite crashes and widespread erosion changed the surface of Mars during Early Noachian, and researchers believe the planet also had water during this period.

"Findings from the map will enable researchers to evaluate potential landing sites for future Mars missions that may contribute to further understanding of the planet's history," USGS acting director Suzette Kimball said in a statement. "The new Mars global geologic map will provide geologic context for regional and local scientific investigations for many years to come."

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