Maps (if they are original works) are covered by copyright as artistic works, and any descriptive or instructional text used on a map are covered as literary work. To reproduce a map or part of a map you will need either permission or a suitable exception (such as Fair Dealing or Personal Use and Study).
However, the facts covered by a map (such as the borders of an area or the names of towns* are not protected by copyright, and you can create your own maps by consulting several sources. Additionally, if a map is not a demonstrably original work (i.e., it is just a simple drawing of the facts), it may not be covered by copyright in that case).
*Be aware that some maps include details specifically to identify them as original works ("paper towns") so ensure you check multiple sources.
To find maps at JCU Library you can search using One Search. We have a collection of topographical maps as well as atlases of various countries. Special Collections also has a collection of maps relevant to North Queensland. Try the searches below to discover some of the resources available.
Use One Search to find 1 100 000 maps
Use the Library Catalogue to find Pacific and Atlas
Australian Natmap raster premium 1:250 000 scale topographic maps on CD-ROM are available from Infohelp for viewing in the library.
We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands where our staff and students, live, learn and work.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) 4.0 International License, unless otherwise noted. Content from this Guide should be attributed to James Cook University Library. This does not apply to images, third party material (seek permission from the original owner) or any logos or insignia belonging to JCU or other bodies, which remain All Rights Reserved.
