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The prospect of the shared use of geographic information is becoming a reality, says Antti Saarikoski from the National Land Survey’s Development Centre. Producers of geographic information must cooperate so that the entire population will be able to use it. From ore prospecting to flood prevention All information that is produced has its place, whether it is a location in a coordinate system or a need for information referring to time. Location-bound information is becoming increasingly important to decision makers in the community.

“What now, when maps and aerial photographs are freely available on the web and gps-navigators find the way for us? Don’t we need mapmakers anymore?” A few acquaintances of mine have made such statements, commiserating the fate of the National Land Survey and soon-to-be redundant ancient profession.

The tasks of the District Survey Office are often connected with rural areas and their development. As such, this idea is quite true. The majority of District Survey Office work affects rural areas, or rural areas that are becoming urbanised.

The word ”culture” dates back to the agricultural era. Agriculture meant staying put, owning land and needing to divide land. The first land surveyor initiated land surveying in Finland as early as 1633. The time span from the 17th century to present day is so inconceivably long that history is bound to be present in today’s activities of the NLS. The NLS continues a long tradition Very few authorities can be as proud of their history as the NLS. Our basic task is still the same as 375 years ago, thus bringing credibility to our operation.