The interaction of cartography and a complex of natural and technical sciences; ensuring the implementation of cartographic activities in the Russian Federation in accordance with the Federal Law of 30.12.2015 No. 431-FZ “On geodesy, cartography and spatial data and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation” and exclusion of topographic maps from objects of copyright, contrary to the rules of the international treaty joined by the Russian Federation are considered. Bylaws (adopted in order to implement Federal Law No. 431-FZ dated December 30, 2015), which provide for cartographic activities in the Russian Federation; the updated cartographic basis and the requirements for it by the Russian Federation Economic Development Ministry, special maps, and the quality of maps and atlases as products created for direct human use are also mentioned here. The typical mistakes made by manufacturers of mapping products; the main factors affecting the quality of cartographic products, and reference books “States and territories of the world”, “Political and administrative division of foreign countries” are reviewed. Separate proposals for solving the problem of providing consumers with high-quality cartographic products with a list of necessary measures and activities are made.