GeomEthics: Ethical Considerations About Using Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant advancements in the field of geomatics, revolutionizing the way geospatial data is processed, analyzed, and interpreted. While these advancements have brought numerous benefits, they also raise ethical risks that must be carefully considered. The improvement of AI in geomatics has introduced ethical considerations such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of AI technology. As AI algorithms process and analyze vast amounts of geospatial data, concerns regarding data privacy and security become paramount. Geospatial data often contains sensitive information, and the use of AI requires robust measures to protect individual privacy and prevent unauthorized access or misuse of data. This paper examines the ethical implications of the use of AI in geomatics and proposes the concept of GeomEthics as a framework for analyzing these ethical considerations. It explores the technical aspects of AI in geomatics and highlights the ethical principles of fairness, privacy, bias, accountability, and transparency. By coining the term GeomEthics, the paper emphasizes the importance of addressing these ethical concerns. It proposes the development of ethical guidelines and best practices for the responsible integration of AI in geomatics and discusses future research directions in the field. This paper contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the ethical implications of AI in geomatics and provides insights for ensuring the responsible and beneficial use of AI technologies in the geospatial domain. By addressing these ethical challenges, the field of geomatics can harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its potential risks and ensuring that geospatial analysis and decision-making processes are conducted ethically and responsibly.