Ethical Implications of Biases and Errors in Geographic Information Systems

Geographic information systems combine traditional maps with additional data. The design and use of these systems can introduce a variety of biases and errors. In this paper, we identify and classify biases and errors that arise inevitably from limits on the accuracy of gathered data, from limits on the precision of display technologies, and from the combination of data from different sources. We also propose how designers and users can work with these biases in a professionally responsible way.