The research on creating specialized topographic maps of land and water areas considering international trends in mapping was carried out. Dividing topographic maps of land and water areas into basic universal and specialized ones was substantiated. The theoretical aspects of creating specialized maps are revealed. The concept of a specialized topographic map is proposed, the categories and limits of the maps’ contents specialization and the ways of their implementation are considered. The fields of using domestic specialized maps and the requirements for their contents in the view of economics, scientific research, as well as the role of maps in information supporting environmental safety and sustainable development of territories are studied. The scientifically based types of specialized maps for their intended purpose were identified and highlighted. Foreign specialized topographic maps and their features in different countries are characterized. International trends in mapping and the importance of specialized maps for improving the main ones are shown. Compiled summaries’ fragments of the fields of using specialized maps in Russia and abroad, as well as maps’ fragments are presented in this study.