I've used Map Resources for years. Their vector maps are of very good quality. More recently, you can check out the maps at iStockphoto.

Also, not related specifically to your request, but for the interest of the thread.

http://libremap.org/

Thanks guys, these look like good resources. Andrew, if I use Map resources do I need to use them as is or can I modify them to suit an existing style?

Generally does anyone know if this is what designers normally do, (use stock maps) or do they composite a few different maps so that the result doesn't appear derivative? What are other people's experience? If I can figure out an option that won't cost $100 a map that would be ideal,
cheers

All maps are derivatives of geography. No one has a copyright on the lay of the land.

>> All maps are derivatives of geography. No one has a copyright on the lay of the land.

But don't you think the drawings of the geography themselves are copyrighted?
I think so.

>All maps are derivatives of geography. No one has a copyright on the lay of the land.

So all we have to do is build an island in the shape of Mickey Mouse (say in Dubai) and the global copyright empire will crumble.

Ha, mapmakers are very smart: they introduce very small anomalies (mistakes) into their products that will give away anyone that reproduces them.
But there are some freeware maps to be had, such as
http://geoatlas.com/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/atlas/index.html?Parent=eur...
And
http://www.openstreetmap.org/

. . .
Bert Vanderveen BNO

"But don’t you think the drawings of the geography themselves are copyrighted?"

Yes.

Thanks guys this is all good stuff.

I'm really after pretty basic kind of political map forms -- I found a vector map from wikipedia that seems to be OK to use, maybe I'll go with this. Do you think there are any issues with using this? I guess my concern is that the map itself is not copyrighted but it may be produced from something that is.

Hey Bert,

I just checked Geoatlas and it seems you have to buy Cd-Roms to get the maps
National Geographic seems intended for educators not for those wanting to reproduce commercially
And if I use maps off openstreetmap I have to distribute my book free from copyright
hm ... still wondering what I should do...
thanks again

As with any art, you need to read the license. In the case of the wikipedia one:

-------

This image has been released into the public domain by its author, Vardion. This applies worldwide.

In some countries this may not be legally possible; if so:
Vardion grants anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.

-------

Thanks Darrel I did read the license :) so my concern is not with the map itself which is obviously not protected but with the map's source. Vardion might have traced over an atlas to produce his vector work -- it's just hard to know.

However, I think the CIA has solved my problem (I never thought I'd get to say something like that). It has something called a factbook with lots of detailed maps which are all, apparently, in the Public domain
thanks for all your help

Hi Nicholas, Just to echo previous responses, if you're ever in doubt of a copyright or license, the best thing is to contact the owner or provider directly. The legalese can be very complicated and it does vary from country to country. Those last maps are quite interesting but I don't know if you can modify them for your or your clients' needs. Best to check. :)

I have used Mountain High maps which do have licence requirements, but can be worked on or from and can work out expensive.

Tim

"Vardion might have traced over an atlas to produce his vector work — it’s just hard to know."

Well, that gets back to it being derivative of geography. Which no one (yet) holds a copyright on. Though I'm sure there are some lawyers working on that as we speak.

"if I use Map resources do I need to use them as is or can I modify them to suit an existing style? Generally does anyone know if this is what designers normally do, (use stock maps) or do they composite a few different maps so that the result doesn’t appear derivative? What are other people’s experience? "

I've purchased vector stock maps and then modified them to reflect a particular theme or illustrative style. I'm not sure if that's "standard" I suppose ideally it's best to have a budget and commission an artist. Even with purchased stock maps, I often just use it as a template to draw my own version which hopefully takes some of the "stock-ness" from the piece and gives it a more unique look.

thanks Kirsten,

In a perfect world commissioning an artist would work the best, I wonder if anyone except a very small percentage do this. Just out of interest, which company do you purchase the stock maps from?

I'm reasonably satisfied that these CIA maps will form a good basis for what I need. If they are in the public domain then I reckon they are fair game for style modifications.

I think the fjords could be copyrighted by Slartibartfast.
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Personal Art and Design Portal of Ivan Gulkov
www.ivangdesign.com