Has anyone ever created a map based off any of the Final Fantasy games? Specifically FInal Fantasy VII or Tactics? I understand some copyrights may come into play but based on maps, such as Tamriel, there must be a way around it.
Copyrights will stop all projects like this but as you said, a way around can be found. The problem with those maps though is that only a very few will get any reference to it.
On a similar theme, could this idea be applied to games based on real places ie Fallout? The Capital Wasteland in Fallout 3 is Washington DC just flattened. As Washington DC is a real place does that make it easier to avoid copyright issues?
Washington is not and cannot be copyrighted. But if you draw an image of DC, call it the Capitol Wateland, you might be stepping a bit close for comfort. Just remember, games, films, other games can be copied (just look at the classic map) but a line of simularity cannot be crossed. Midgard is based on LOTR so ytou can use that as a bench mark.