Is It Legal to Share Topographic Maps for Recreational Use?

Copyright Considerations

Topographic maps are created through a combination of government funding and public resources. As such, the US Geological Survey (USGS) and other government agencies that produce topographic maps consider them public domain. However, commercial companies often create value-added maps, which are protected by copyright. For recreational use, sharing maps created by government agencies is generally not an issue, but sharing maps created by commercial companies may be subject to copyright restrictions.

Fair Use and Recreational Use

The fair use provision of copyright law (17 U.S.C. § 107) allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Recreational use, such as sharing maps for hiking or backpacking, may be considered fair use, especially if the maps are not used for commercial purposes. The fair use doctrine is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used, and the effect of the use on the market for or value of the copyrighted work. In general, sharing topographic maps for recreational use is considered fair use, but it’s essential to be aware of the specific context and potential copyright restrictions.

Best Practices for Sharing Maps

To minimize potential copyright issues when sharing topographic maps for recreational use, consider the following best practices: Use government-created maps, such as those from the USGS, instead of commercial maps. Provide attribution to the original creator when sharing maps. Limit the amount of map data shared, focusing on specific routes or areas of interest. Avoid sharing maps with value-added content, such as GPS coordinates or notes, which may be considered copyright-protected. By following these best practices, you can enjoy sharing topographic maps with others while respecting the rights of map creators.