People have been using maps since immemorial times. However, since the end of the XX century when GISs became implemented into the processes of maps production, new types of spatial data models began to appear in addition to the usual cartographic imagery. Number of these models tends to grow, and consequently new terminology, classifications and standards are needed. Such terms as GIS-based mapping, geomatics and geoiconics have taken their place in the terminology of modern cartography.

The article highlights the problems and trends of GIS-based mapping. Suggested several example projects which were done with the participation of the article authors, representing the integration of traditional and modern methods.

The first example: the creation of maps with the original system of symbols, applying a design approach to the creation of map works. The work on the creation of the Atlas of Orthodoxy is a vivid example of this trend.

The second example: the maps “support” the research and visualize or reflect the results of geoinformation analysis. Over the past ten years, active work has been carried out to support hydrological projects in the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as archaeological research in the Smolensk region and in the region of the Middle Yenisei. In such projects prevail, of course, mostly geoinformational approaches.

The third example: the creation of maps using photographs and / or on the basis of aerial and satellite images. In archaeological studies conducted jointly with the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the region of the Middle Yenisei; this kind of data is the most informative.

Despite the innovations, it is extremely important to save the heritage of classic cartography, combining intelligently traditional and contemporary methods. Interaction of traditional and contemporary approaches is considered in this paper on the examples of projects carried out at the Department of cartography and geoinformatics of SPbSU.