Permitted image sources
Verified Hikes may use owner-created photographs, partner-supplied material with written permission, purchased or licensed stock, public-domain material, CC0, CC BY, CC BY-SA, and original artwork created from approved references. Every approved trail visual has a source record describing its creator, source page, licence, attribution requirement, and permitted use.
Certificate backgrounds
Certificate backgrounds are place-specific derivatives prepared for a named trail. Dynamic names, dates, IDs, QR codes, signatures, seals, fingerprints, and disclaimers are added by the registry system in fixed safe zones. Background artwork must not contain fake text, watermarks, signatures, authority seals, protected logos, map labels, or QR-like marks.
Attribution and derivative notices
Where a licence requires attribution, the trail page displays the creator, source, and licence information and the structured visual record retains the full attribution text. CC BY-SA derivatives retain the applicable share-alike and derivative notice. Removing a credit from one layout does not remove the underlying licence duty.
Prohibited sourcing
Verified Hikes does not source images by copying random Google results, social-media posts, watermarked previews, unclear-licence files, official trail logos, government seals, or distinctive copyrighted photographs without permission. People and recognisable faces require a suitable licence and an intentional approval decision.
AI-assisted and hybrid artwork
AI or design tools may be used only with licensed or approved visual references and recorded provenance. They must not reproduce a distinctive source photograph, invent official marks, or generate signatures. AI involvement does not remove the need for source review, visual QA, and rights documentation.
Takedown and correction
Rights holders can contact support@verifiedhikes.com with the image location, ownership or authority context, and requested outcome. Do not send identity documents unless support explains a secure need. Verified Hikes can hide an asset while reviewing attribution, permission, replacement, or takedown without exposing private application evidence.