Hey guys, i've tried all you've suggested but it doesn't seem to make difference to the lumpy hiil problem.

I drew the map + gradient using Illustrator then exported it into photoshop at A3 300dpi greyscale and from p/s to Maya as a A3 72dpi greyscale tiff. when it's in p's the gradients are nice and smooth so I know the problem doesn't occur there it just seems maya can't handle the smooth gradient which i'm sure isn't the case it's much more likely i'm not doing it the right way...

Anyway I thought i'd post up two shots one showing the map from afar where it's not looking to bad and another close up to highlight the texture problem i'm having.

All feedback & help is much appreciated