China has launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal online mapping services.

More than 1,000 violations had been recorded among the services since 2008, said sources with the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping.

Major violations include unauthorized disclosure of confidential information on maps and mistakes in drawing the country's border, especially on islands and coastal areas.

The bureau said on March 21 it had detected more than 14,000 websites providing mapping services.

China introduced a new licensing system for Internet mapping services in May 2010 and requires all existing providers to acquire license before the end of March.