Ethical considerations in the use of geospatial data for research and statistics

This guidance document explores ethical considerations in the use of geospatial data for research, analysis and statistics.

• From: Government Digital Service
• Published: 29 January 2025

• Ethical theme: Safety, Security and Robustness, Appropriate Transparency and Explainability, Accountability and Governance and Societal Wellbeing
• Organisation: UK Statistics Authority
• Project phase: Across Lifecycle
• Technology area: Analytical Models, Research and Statistics and Data

Description

This guidance document explores ethical considerations in the use of geospatial data for research, analysis and statistics. It has been developed by the UK Statistics Authority’s Centre for Applied Data Ethics in partnership with geospatial colleagues.

It is divided into 8 main parts, providing an initial introduction to geospatial data and ethics, before moving on to consider case examples and potential mitigations related to four key areas, as well as links to further resources.

An ethics checklist is also provided for researchers and analysts using geospatial data, which summarises the main points covered in this guidance.

Read guidance on Ethical considerations in the use of geospatial data for research and statistics

Published 29 January 2025