Geographical Thinking: Episode 102 – Map It, Share It — But First, Read the License
Open data is meant to be shared, but it can quickly become a legal headache without a clear license. On this episode of the Geographical Thinking podcast, host Michelle Brake is joined by Paul Heersink, program manager of Roads & Addresses at Esri Canada and chair of the Overture Maps Foundation’s addressing task force. Together, they dive into the world of open data licensing: what it is, why it matters and how even small oversights can lead to big problems
Paul shares insights from his work with hundreds of data sources across Canada and beyond. He explains how clear, standardized licenses like CC0, CC BY and the Open Government Licence help organizations avoid confusion and encourage responsible data use. Whether you’re a GIS professional, a data publisher or just curious about how maps and data get shared, this episode will help you understand the importance of getting the fine print right.
Looking for resources on what we discussed in today’s podcast? Check them out below!
Selecting the Right License for Geographic Data: This blog post explains the importance of choosing a clear and appropriate license when sharing geographic data. It outlines common license types and the risks of using vague disclaimers, and offers practical tips for data providers.
Overture Maps Foundation: A collaborative open data initiative led by major tech companies to create reliable, up-to-date, openly licensed mapping data for global use.
Community Map of Canada: A nationwide basemap built from authoritative data contributed by Canadian governments and organizations. It provides detailed, up-to-date geographic information that reflects local knowledge and supports a wide range of mapping applications.
