Open Geo Hub: Spatial Data Anonymization Made Easy

Written on .

If you’re interested in open data and want to try anonymizing some of your spatial datasets here’s some good news for you:

We have launched a GIS web app where you can anonymize your point data for free. The app can be accessed here: www.geohub.site

Using this tool you can anonymize your data using two methods:

  • a simple but efficient donut anonymization
  • An advanced context sensitive anonymization algorithm.

The tool is based on the method developed in the following study:

Hasanzadeh, K., Kajosaari, A., Häggman, D., & Kyttä, M. (2020). A context sensitive approach to anonymizing public participation GIS data: From development to the assessment of anonymization effects on data quality. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 83, 101513.

This is a beta version of the tool and all feedback are welcome at this stage. If you have any inquiries, please find the contact information on  www.geohub.site.

The tool currently only supports point data. More functionalities will be added to the hub in future.

anonymization, open data, open science, PPGIS

ISPM: Join the International Society of Participatory Mapping’s Executive Committee

Written on .

International Society for Participatory Mapping (ISPM):

We are an eager group of collaborators including graduate students, faculty members, volunteers, and practitioners. The formation of a participatory mapping international organization is well-timed with the proliferation of mapping technologies, crowdsourcing platforms and social justice issues emerging in every corner of the world.

Participatory Mapping is the field of research and practice engaged in leveraging geographic technology to support public participation. Applications for participatory mapping methods range from indigenous rights, to smart cities, to biodiversity conservation. Our organization is unique in that we embrace the interdisciplinarity of the challenges faced at all levels of community and governance.

The ISPM was conceptualized at the first International Participatory Mapping Conference at Cal Poly in July 2017. Since then, we’ve formed a small group of academics, practitioners, and activists who believe in the ideals of participatory mapping and its potential for promoting equality and social justice.

The Society strives to provide opportunities for underprivileged and marginalized communities in order to promote a more equal distribution of knowledge and resources. The Official Bylaws outline the organizational structure of the Society. The tenure is a minimum of 2 years and includes a mandatory monthly meeting, hosting a webinar or a course, and supporting general operations.

These purposes are to be carried out by:

  • Hosting our Society on Mighty Networks to stimulate communication between practitioners and academics;
  • Electronically housing participatory mapping data, including maps, publications, workshops, and trainings;
  • Promoting the International Journal of Participatory Mapping (IJPM);
  • And the execution of quarterly webinars that engage researchers and practitioners publishing in IJPM.

For more information please visit our website and join our public network. To get involved, please take this survey and the committee will reach out shortly.

ISPM, PPGIS

Participatory Mapping Institute
Copyright 2020