Geospatial data democratization and data governance: Empowering the future of location intelligence

The world has witnessed an explosion in the creation and use of geospatial data. This vast trove of location-based information holds the potential to revolutionize industries, enhance decision-making, and improve overall societal well-being. However, unlocking the true power of geospatial data requires addressing two crucial aspects of it: data democratization and data governance.

Data democratization makes location-based information accessible to a broad audience, wider than the usual experts and specialists. The process of democratization can remove access barriers and build user-friendly platforms. Individuals, organizations, and agencies can thus gain insights from the power of locational data. With great power comes great responsibility. Uncontrolled access to geospatial data can lead to misuse, security risks, and violations of privacy. Data governance is the responsible means to avoid these problems. Data governance establishes policies, procedures, and frameworks that ensure the responsible collection, storage, analysis, and sharing of geospatial data. Robust data governance is a key element in building trust among data providers, users, and the public.

This presentation examines the interplay between geospatial data democratization and data governance. Our aim is to describe how a healthy balance between governance and democratization benefits all and, conversely, how an unbalanced approach is inequitable, divisive, and ultimately counterproductive. The presentation delves into several key elements of governance and democratization, describing best (and worst) practices. We conclude by discussing how responsible data practices and fostering collaboration among stakeholders can build a sustainable and equitable geospatial ecosystem that harnesses the power of location intelligence for the betterment of society as a whole.