Data Licensing#

Licensing and working with licensed datasets in GIS involves careful adherence to legal, ethical, and practical considerations. Here are some best practices:

  1. Understand the License Terms Read the License Agreement: Carefully review the license terms provided by the dataset owner or distributor. Permitted Uses: Check whether the license allows for commercial, academic, or personal use. Restrictions: Look for restrictions on redistribution, modification, or derived works. Attribution Requirements: Ensure you understand how to credit the data source. Jurisdictional Compliance: Ensure the license complies with legal requirements in your area or the area where the dataset will be used.

  2. Choose the Right License for Your Needs If selecting data, prefer datasets with clear, permissive licenses (e.g., Creative Commons, Open Data Commons) when possible. For proprietary data, confirm the dataset aligns with your intended use and budget.

  3. Maintain Records Document the License: Keep a record of the license agreement for the dataset, including the version and any terms specific to your use case. Metadata Management: Include licensing information in your project metadata to ensure clarity for collaborators and future users.

  4. Attribution and Credit Always follow attribution guidelines specified in the license. Use consistent citation formats in maps, reports, and presentations. Include attribution in metadata when sharing derived works.

  5. Avoid License Violations No Unauthorized Sharing: Do not share licensed datasets with third parties unless explicitly allowed. Limit Derived Data Use: Be cautious when using licensed data to create derivative products—ensure the license permits this.

  6. Secure the Data Store datasets securely to prevent unauthorized access. Ensure datasets are only accessible to authorized personnel in compliance with the license.

  7. Consider Open Data Alternatives Where feasible, use open datasets to reduce licensing complexity and promote transparency. Examples: OpenStreetMap, USGS datasets, Copernicus data.

  8. Monitor Updates to Licenses Check periodically for updates to the dataset’s license. Ensure continued compliance if terms change.

  9. Seek Legal Counsel When Necessary For complex projects or uncertain license terms, consult with legal professionals or your organization’s legal team.

  10. Acknowledge Ethical Considerations Consider data privacy and sensitivity, especially for geospatial datasets that involve personal or culturally sensitive information. Adhere to ethical guidelines, such as those outlined by organizations like the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) or regional equivalents. By adhering to these best practices, you ensure legal compliance, foster trust in your work, and contribute to a responsible and ethical GIS community.