How do you manage the ownership and access rights of your GIS data and maps?

1 Know your data sources

Before you use any GIS data, you should know where it came from, who owns it, and what terms and conditions apply to it. You should always cite your data sources and acknowledge their contributions. You should also check the quality, accuracy, and currency of your data, and avoid using data that is outdated, unreliable, or misleading. If you are unsure about the origin or validity of your data, you should contact the data provider or seek alternative sources.

2 Choose appropriate licenses

When you create or share your GIS data and maps, you should choose appropriate licenses that reflect your intentions and expectations. Licenses are legal agreements that specify how your data and maps can be used, modified, and distributed by others. You can use existing licenses, such as Creative Commons or Open Data Commons, or create your own custom licenses. You should make your licenses clear and visible to your users, and respect the licenses of other data and map creators.

3 Protect sensitive data

Some GIS data and maps may contain sensitive information that could harm the privacy, security, or well-being of individuals, groups, or places. For example, data and maps that reveal personal details, health conditions, political affiliations, or endangered species. You should protect sensitive data and maps by applying appropriate encryption, anonymization, aggregation, or masking techniques. You should also limit the access and distribution of sensitive data and maps to authorized and trusted parties.

4 Secure your data and maps

You should also secure your GIS data and maps from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion. You should use strong passwords, encryption, backups, and firewalls to protect your data and maps from hackers, viruses, or accidents. You should also monitor your data and maps for any suspicious or unusual activity, and report any breaches or incidents to the relevant authorities. You should also update your data and maps regularly to ensure they are accurate and current.

5 Share your data and maps

Sharing your GIS data and maps can benefit your users, your community, and your profession. You can share your data and maps through various platforms, such as online portals, web services, or social media. You can also collaborate with other GIS professionals or stakeholders to exchange data and maps, or to create new data and maps. Sharing your data and maps can increase their visibility, usability, and value, as well as foster innovation, learning, and feedback.

6 Follow ethical principles

Finally, you should follow ethical principles when you manage your GIS data and maps. You should be honest, transparent, and accountable for your data and maps, and avoid any conflicts of interest, bias, or plagiarism. You should also respect the rights, interests, and values of your data and map users, providers, and subjects, and avoid any harm, discrimination, or exploitation. You should also adhere to the professional standards and codes of conduct of your GIS organization or association.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?