In the theory of moduli spaces of smooth stable curves with $n$-marked points, I have come across the notion of the coarse underlying curve. Let $C$ be a smooth stable genus $g$ curve with $n$-marked point. We could give it additional structure such as an $r$-spin structure, then there is a natural map to the coarse underlying curve. How is this coarse underlying curve defined and what is this natural map? Is it related to the compactification of the Deligne-Mumford stack or is this something else?
I have not been able to find a definition in any of the papers I am reading. Can someone suggest a reference or give me an intuitive/short description of what this is?