Those and older maps, as well as other cartographic materials, such as globes can be consulted in map libraries. Currently, the World Wide Web, a world wide computer network is becoming an important map store as well. Users should always be alert when studying maps. Specially when using Geographical Information Systems the user should realize what the map source has been.
Maps can contain errors, sometimes east becomes west, and west becomes east.
Many governmental mapping organisations have a long history. Prominent topographic mapping organisations are the French Institute Geographique National in Paris, and the British Ordnance Survey in Southampton. Non-governmental mapping organisations are involved in providing cartographic materials as well. A large paper map supplier in Europe is GeoCenter. Today many companies have specialized in supplying digital cartographic materials and mapping software, while others concentrate on geo-information supply for educational and general purposes.