Overview of Issues Concerning Confidentiality and Spatial Data

Author(s): MEASURE GIS Working Group

Year: 2008

Abstract:

Geographic information systems (GIS) play a vital role within a variety of research settings. However, the use of such spatial data means that confidentiality and privacy issues relevant to these data must be carefully addressed. This white paper presents the current literature on the topic of confidentiality and spatial data. It is intended to provide guidance on the issue. The document provides an overview of the terms that are important to the discussion, and then presents some examples of spatial risks to confidentiality. An overview of approaches that have been proposed for preserving confidentiality is then presented.