Gainesville, GA asked in Copyright for Georgia

Q: In Georgia, are maps made by the Georgia Department of Transportation considered fair use? (For news purposes)

I plan to use a portion of a map with additional pictures, so it would be used to create an infographic.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: When considering using maps created by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for your infographic, you need to be cautious about copyright issues. Generally, government-created works can sometimes be used freely, but this is not always the case at the state level, including Georgia.

In Georgia, maps made by GDOT might still be protected under state copyright laws, and using them without permission could lead to legal issues. Even though you plan to use only a portion and add pictures for an infographic, it is important to verify if GDOT allows such use.

To ensure you are on the safe side, you should contact GDOT directly and request permission to use the map. Additionally, exploring whether they offer any specific guidelines for the use of their maps can be very helpful. This will provide clarity and help you avoid any potential copyright infringement.

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