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. In this episode of Geographical Thinking, 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 License help organizations avoid confusion and encourage responsible data use. Whether you’re a GIS professional, 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.