Is it a copyright infringement to make a map based on another map?

Totally legal. Don’t worry about it.

(1) Most government information is public domain, check their website to find out.
(2) While the design of the map can be copyrighted, it’s difficult to copyright the content of a map (it’s essentially a list of information without “creative spark”)

~You need to go outside with a compass and sketch your own. Rand McNally will sue you into the ground.

@buckyboy28 Chains and a lot of volunteers is the more traditional way =)

I disagree. I’ve read about lawsuits siting copyright infringement over this very thing. In fact this activity has become so popular in the past that many map makers have been known to insert faux street names, landmarks, etc. in order to show just cause for lawsuits.

@AstroChuck I’ve heard that, too. In fact, here’s a Straight Dope article about it.

@AstroChuck :: “The map I want to use is from a county government gis map.” <—That line is key.

@AstroChuck True, perhaps my 2nd line is incorrect. My first one is correct, assuming the county releases its GIS data as public domain.

And the straight dope is specifically talking about reproducing the map itself, and not just its content.

Apologies. I need to read more carefully. My understanding is that GIS information is indeed in the public domain.

Blame the iphone.

Goddamn iPhone.

well played postman

The CIA used to offer maps like this for free on their website and through some university libraries. This world map is dated 2005 and will become dated as the world changes. The Kazahkstan map and US map are from 1999. All three maps are editable in Adobe Illustrator.
Feel free to download them.

Some editablePDF format DoT, USGS, and CIA maps are still available at University of Texas’ Perry Casteneda Map Library, including some with streets [DoT state maps].