RodeWorks

Google maps isn’t the only game in town for your map mashups. This article offers a very complete overview of how mapping servers work, and alternatives to the omnipresent google. The article is really for someone with some understanding of programming and web applications. Buts its also general enough that anyone can get a sense of how web mapping applications work.

A List Apart: Articles: Take Control of Your Maps

Mapnik is an open source map server that renders beautifully and has a developer-friendly interface