Is there a way to import data that's been obtained and shared by everyone who uses this addon? I know I can import my own data from when I was using this addon before, but that doesn't really help me much.
On EsoUI there is a link with a current database, as well as options to upload your own datapoint in order to be merged into said public database. I downloaded the database a few week back and I keep finding a lot of yet unmarked stuff, even though the map already is cluttered as is. My guess is, a more up to date map will yield better results. Do expect an initial map load delay of 10secs+ on initial login from char menu, as it takes ages to import all the data from file. I haven't seen the parsing algorithm, but 4MB of data is really not a lot to explain for that. Anyway, it's a great AddOn and great help, too.
I've successfully used gathering addons in the past but my concern is that I'm giving info for a possible bot to utilize. Perhaps I'm overly cautious about bots.
Well, it's a lot too late for that now anyways. My guess is, that it takes only one workers shift in a goldfarmers sweat shop to go from an empty map to 95%+ of all resource nodes and treasure chest mapped. Spawns are in fixed locations, so there really is nothing you could have over any other player that puts some effort into it. The data you are worried about doesn't take long to collect for a crew of people or even bots and it's already publically available.