Operations and responsibilities

National Land Survey of Finland (NLS) produces and provides information on and services in real estate, topography and the environment for the needs of citizens, other customers and the community at large. The National Land Survey is responsible for Finland's cadastral system and general mapping assignments. It also promotes the shared use of geographic information.

The NLS consists of 12 District Survey Offices, six national operational units and the small central administration. The NLS has staff of 2000, of whom over 80 % are employed in the District Survey Offices. The NLS is a governmental agency subordinate to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

District Survey Offices

District Survey Offices provide expert assistance in matters pertaining to land, real estate and maps. They carry out land surveys and help to prepare deeds of sale, and provide assistance in applications for registration of title to property.

The NLS central administration is responsible for managing and developing the land survey administration and for NLS operations and unity. Overall development of cadastral and mapping activities, financial planning, result management, general administration, personnel and labour market policy, strategic data management planning, and data security also fall within the purview of the central administration. It is also responsible for internal auditing, legal services and communications.

  • Jarmo Ratia, Director General
  • Ritva Asplund, Secretary to the Director General
  • Arvo Kokkonen, Deputy Director General, General Administration  
  • Markku Markkula, Deputy Director General, Legislation 
  • Risto Nuuros, Deputy Director General, Cadastre/Mapping 
  • Maritta Yläranta, Director - HRM
  • Annikki Alatalo, Director - Finance
  • Matti Lisitsin, Director - IT
  • Pirkko Yliselä, Head of Communications

National operational units

The Development Centre is responsible for developing and supporting cadastral, topographic and geographic information activities. It is also involved in the development of administrative information systems.

  • Contacts: Timo Tuhkanen, Director

The Aerial Image Centre produces and sells aerial photographs.

  • Contacts: Juha Vilhomaa, Director

Administrative Services provide the NLS with support and development services in the field of personnel, materials and financial administration.

  • Contacts: Riitta-Liisa Niittymaa, Director

The Computer Centre is responsible for providing the NLS with IT production and support services and for the proper functioning of NLS's communication networks.

  • Contacts: Mikko Lipponen, Director

Information Service Centre is responsible for selling and marketing NLS's services.

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