Towards geospatial blockchain: A review of research on blockchain technology applied to geospatial data

Abstract

Abstract. In recent years, geospatial big data has been generated at a very high speed, and the data volume is becoming increasingly massive. In order to realize the full potential of geospatial big data, there has been a strong requirement and push to embrace the value of open science. However, it is still challenging to preserve the privacy and integrity of geospatial data in data sharing and management. Blockchain as d distributed ledger technology has a series of good characteristics, such as decentralization, trust-free, transparency, tamper-free, consensus and security, etc. These characteristics of blockchain are beneficial for facilitating geospatial data sharing and management, and hence promoting the development of open GIS. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review on the literature that involves how blockchain technology is applied to geospatial data, especially in geospatial data privacy and integrity preservation. First, the background knowledge on geospatial data privacy and blockchain technology are introduced. Then, we reviewed how blockchain technology is applied to geospatial data, followed by the conclusion of the topic. This review is beneficial for understanding how blockchain technology can be applied to geospatial domain by integrating geospatial technologies like GIS and remote sensing.