I had a question from someone using my software product (Hexographer) if they could use it to create maps for a planned published product.

I didn't copy any images when I created the default map symbol set, but I was certainly trying to match a specific map style--the TSR Mystara hex maps on the late 80s/early 90s. So I looked at those very closely as I drew these. I also found other similar maps online and looked at those to find clarifications or improvements and incorporated some of those ideas.

I want to put my versions of these in the public domain for any purpose (even if people don't buy the software) but obviously I don't want to do that if I can't legally. Doing so also allows others to use the software and publish their maps without concern.

Anyway, I'm looking at a couple of the TSR maps in the same style and I do see differences with all of the map symbols I'm able to compare at the moment. But I wonder if the differences are too subtle...? Or if even though there are differences, because so many of the symbols are similar is it an issue for concern? Or are there only so many ways to draw an hill symbol (as an example) and the differences are enough due to the idea that there aren't that many ways to vary it? I've also seen some similar icons as part of other non-game related mapping standards/resources, for what its worth.

What do you think? Here's a link to the software's website for comparison purposes: http://www.inkwellideas.com/roleplay...s/hexographer/

If you created these symbols for a major game publisher and 20-ish years later others still thought of them fondly and created similar symbols, would that bother you? (Even though the game publisher owns the copyright.)

I'd love to be told I'm overthinking this or overly concerned. But I'd also like to know if map artists think there is something to worry about. I've got a couple of feelers out to copyright lawyers, but I don't know if they would be well-qualified to say if the map symbols are too similar (which is more of an artistic judgement) and I think the prevailing opinion of this community would be helpful.