1) It allows building alternative location providers that make it possible to have an Android device that doesn't rely on Google maps.
2) Publicizing the existences of these databases might make the general public more conscious of privacy and data protection issues involved.
2) That is like saying you go around kicking people in the crotch to make them more conscious about the benefits of learning self-defence.
Update:
> Google and other entities already have that data.
How is this an argument FOR gathering sensitive information about the people around you? Should you also look to their trash and digitise any documents they throw away and make a website that allows you to search through these documents? You could argue that Google or some other entity already has that information anyway.
You could also argue that this would increase consciousness with regards to the privacy concerns of your trash.
Of course, the likely outcome is that only big multinational corporations with a legal team are allowed to kick you in the crotch.
It's pretty much like leaving the front door unlocked -- it would be unethical to use it to go inside and steal your stuff but we still need to lock the door if we want to reduce the chance of someone stealing your stuff.
Tips for avoiding this:
- Change SSID at least once per year.
- If your router support multiple SSID's, turn the current one off and use the next one in the settings instead -- it will usually result in the MAC address being changed as well.
- Do the above whenever you move the router from one location to another.
Geocaching and trying to gather as much privacy sensitive information about the people around you are two different things. With geocaching there aren't any parties involved that are unaware of the activity who are still negatively impacted by it.