Abstract: The "volcanic structure-volcanic lithofacies-volcanic lithology" trinity mapping method has been wildly used in the continental volcanic rock outcrop area of China since the 1990s. This paper discussed the applicability of this mapping method in the 1:50000 Shengzhou geological mapping program for large outcrop area of Cenozoic basalts. According to field investigation and research work in the Cenozoic basalt area, the remote sensing technology and the new remote sensing images are the key factors of the volcanic rock area mapping. Image interpretation combined with field verification is one of the effective methods to improve the quality and effectiveness of the mapping. In the field, the special landscape and outcrops of eruption facies of breccias and volcanic neck facies of basalt porphyrite often indicate the central position of the volcano. Volcanic rock facies and eruption gaps are the key factors for the division of volcanic cycle. Volcanic edifice, volcanic lithofacies, volcanic lithology-space-time change are the key factors for restoration of ancient volcanic eruption histories.