As geospatial professionals, we have a duty to act responsibly, meet ethical standards in our work, and to respect the privacy of others. Simply because one can access data in a search does not automatically authorize an organization to use that data. An integrity challenge exists when researching open source, third-party, and proprietary data for analysis and writing.
An analyst must recognize the ethical considerations to understand whose information they found, how their actions may adversely impact the organization, and what is allowed. These ethics standards of business data apply to the collection, storage, and use of data for business decisions. Ensure that you understand the licensing rules of openly sourced data for proper citation, individual use, or dissemination.
When performing searches for geospatial or business information, one must ask questions to reflect on the ethics of storing, managing, and sharing the data:
When designing a GIS, collectively planning business strategies, or creating a geospatial database for a specific project, one must consider the ethics of data:
The Geospatial Data Act of 2018 created a unifying policy covering the use and open sharing of geospatial data. The U.S. National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) establishes:
While there are many stories and movies created to glamorize corporate spying, it is illegal under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 to steal, misappropriate, sell, or pass along trade secrets that have a monetary value to a business.
Professional research conducted legally is appropriate, assists companies to optimize their operations and budgets, and potentially benefits consumers with access to products that meet their needs.
Registered students can access the readings in the Lesson 3 Readings page in Canvas.
Links
[1] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/node/20
[2] https://gistbok.ucgis.org/bok-topics/2018-quarter-04/professional-and-practical-ethics-gist
[3] http://geospatial-solutions.com/geospatial-data-act-will-bring-huge-changes-to-america-and-the-world
[4] https://www.abebooks.com/9780160514777/Business-Ethics-Manual-Managing-Responsible-0160514770/plp