Antique map of Russian Empire, 1730

The map created by Philipp Johann von Strahlenberg was published in 1730 by the Ottens family. This map is sometimes associated with being the "first stolen map of Russia" due to a dispute between Strahlenberg and the Ottens family over its publication. 

Philipp Johann von Strahlenberg was a Swedish officer and geographer of German origin. He is best known for his work on Russia and Siberia. In 1730, he published a book titled "Das Nord- und Ostliche Theil von Europa und Asia" (The Northern and Eastern Parts of Europe and Asia), which contained a map of Russia.

Strahlenberg's map was notable because it provided one of the earliest detailed depictions of Russia and Siberia. It was based on his own observations and information gathered from Russian sources.

After the publication of Strahlenberg's book and map, there was a dispute between Strahlenberg and the Ottens family, who were prominent Dutch mapmakers and publishers. It was alleged that the Ottens family had obtained a copy of Strahlenberg's map without his permission and had published it.

Strahlenberg accused the Ottens family of plagiarism and unauthorized reproduction of his work. He believed that they had acquired a copy of his map through deceptive means and had it reprinted without his consent.

The dispute over Strahlenberg's map is significant in the history of cartography because it raised issues of intellectual property and ethics in mapmaking during the 18th century.

It's important to note that historical records and accounts of this dispute may vary, and the term "stolen map of Russia" is often used informally to describe the controversy surrounding the Ottens family's publication of Strahlenberg's map. Nevertheless, the map itself and the events surrounding its publication highlight the complexities and challenges faced by early cartographers and mapmakers in protecting their intellectual property and original work.