diff --git a/linux/gpio/GpioCookie.cpp b/linux/gpio/GpioCookie.cpp
index f4e585d1..6355578c 100644
--- a/linux/gpio/GpioCookie.cpp
+++ b/linux/gpio/GpioCookie.cpp
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ void GpioCookie::addGpio(gpioId_t gpioId, GpioConfig_t gpioConfig){
 	}
 }
 
-GpioMap GpioCookie::getGpioMap() const{
+GpioMap& GpioCookie::getGpioMap() const {
 	return gpioMap;
 }
 
diff --git a/linux/gpio/GpioCookie.h b/linux/gpio/GpioCookie.h
index 72011750..8ec30d79 100644
--- a/linux/gpio/GpioCookie.h
+++ b/linux/gpio/GpioCookie.h
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ public:
     /**
      * @brief	Get map with registered GPIOs.
      */
-    GpioMap getGpioMap() const;
+    GpioMap& getGpioMap() const;
 
 private: