This article summarizes the authors' experience gained from cartographic activities and workshops for students of Earth Sciences. GIS-based mapping provides better access to map creation. In turn, a number of low-quality maps made by violation of map-making rules are caused by technical difficulties. Creating the geographical basis is of particular significance in cartography. The study examines either the theoretical and practical problems in creating geographical map-bases for thematic maps. These topics begin from the learning process of students from the Institute of Earth Sciences of Saint Petersburg State University, when they acquire their first skills in cartography within the framework of the disciplines “Cartography”, “Cartography Studies”, and “Socio-Economic Cartography Using GIS Technologies”. It is an important task for us to train highly qualified specialists who understand both the technologies for creating modern cartographic bases, using the tools of geoinformation systems and open web services. The article examines the difficulties encountered during the stages of creating a base map, using a technological scheme through which students develop a base map for a series of thematic maps. Special attention is given to issues relating to adhering to the rules of classical cartography. The results of the study include solutions to the problems described in the article. The proposed methodological recommendations and practical advice will assist in improving the technological processes of creating base maps and enhancing cartographic practices, which is important for the training of qualified specialists. In the conclusions, in addition to summarizing the work, some discussion ideas and proposals have been formulated that can be brought to the attention of the cartographic community. © 2025 Lomonosov Moscow State University. All rights reserved.