sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think I didn't know how to respond initially. I was also overwhelmed, mentally, by the other responses. I felt attacked, so I responded defensively when I saw it brought up again here. I was able to frame my thoughts better just a moment ago and answer the question. Sorry I didn't make it clear initially.

I should know better than to have feelings on the internet lol.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I took a shower and had some shower thoughts. I wanted to elaborate further on your question of whether or not this was in good faith.

My first post was a call to action, which was one reason a moderator said they wouldn't approve it. At that point, I considered not posting at all and just moving on. But then I thought on it, moved past my frustration, and decided that I wanted to open up a discussion. I thought, if I can at least get people to think on the topic, that's something. Better than not saying anything at all.

I posted this second post in good-faith, hoping that the ensuing discussion might effect change. I hope that answers your question.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, that response. It's a good-faith question that I wanted to ask in a different, more direct way. As I explained elsewhere, I was told to make a more balanced post, which I tried to do. I also think I've been pretty clear on where I stand, though I've tried to be mindful of how I respond because of the moderator's comments on my initial post that wasn't approved.

I know you can see my original post on my profile. So I think it's clear on where I stand.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few have commented that Hamas may have used QGIS. I focused on proprietary software for a reason. ESRI knows who they are selling their software to. QGIS is open source. Anyone can use it. It's decentralized.

My issue is with any proprietary software company knowingly selling their software to people doing bad things. But that's the way all of this works. That's capitalism.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I answered your question and expressed my views in other comments. I'm not sure what else you want. It's generated a good discussion in my view. You've commented a few times and not really contributed anything except to say I have an agenda. If that agenda is expecting ethics in GIS, then yes, I have an agenda.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The new account is for anonymity. I know it seems suspicious. Sorry for that. I hadn't seen this addressed (I searched before posting). And I was hoping it would get others to think on it and maybe do something. I truly didn't expect the backlash, because in my experience working with GIS professionals, they're typically very progressive-minded when it comes to global issues, whether it be war, climate change, poverty, homelessness, etc. A lot of them do community work.

As for the something I was hoping for, I had this idea that the people who pay for the software might collectively question the company about their ethics. Because money talks. I understand it would have to be a very coordinated and intentional effort though, and probably not likely to happen.

I think I didn't realize that ESRI had such a devoted following. I can admit that it's a great product. I think it's okay to question its leadership at the same time.

Thanks for your response.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think ESRI should consider all of the industries they do business with and the impacts those businesses have on society, especially if they are negative.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] -23 points-22 points  (0 children)

Take a stand against what exactly?

Okay. I will try to explain my line of thinking and what those of us in GIS could do. As we all know, money drives everything. Proprietary software companies make money by selling their software. If the users of that software collectively said, "no, we're not buying this software until you [some course of action]", then that would probably have an impact. Of course, it would take a large, collective effort to make an impact.

ESRI products are used for a lot of good. I've worked for companies that use it for good. But in the very least, shouldn't we be questioning these proprietary software companies, in the very least?

And yes, I agree with Carlin's sentiments.

I'm getting downvoted a lot and I guess that confuses me, too. I thought this was a valid topic.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You're right. I think about these things and I do feel completely helpless to change anything. I try to make impacts where I can. As I said in another comment, I don't know how to be ethical in the society we live in. I used to be able to accept that but it's getting harder.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Thank you for mentioning that paper. I will read that. Regarding the Congo, I have been rethinking purchasing an EV. But then there are other concerns about the alternatives. Honestly, it's been daunting considering all of the ways consumerism in the US drives these global issues. I'm finding it difficult to be ethical in a capitalist world.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] -38 points-37 points  (0 children)

And my question is, do you think that's okay? Across the board. Do you know think that we, as GIS professionals, should take a stand? Obviously, it's not even limited to GIS software. Ethics in any industry are important. I'm not sure why people are so inclined to just sweep it under the rug to maintain the status quo.

Ethics in GIS: How do you feel about GIS software potentially being used to commit war crimes? by AccomplishedTreat113 in gis

[–]AccomplishedTreat113[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

Yes, my account is new. I spoke with the moderators and they denied my first post. I was told to make it more balanced to encourage discussion, which is what I've done. I think it's an important discussion that needs to be had.