Any information associated with a location is geospatial data. Finnish society and businesses require geospatial data at all times for activities such as transport, logistics, electricity and telecommunications networks, and financial transactions. Openly shared geospatial data continuously produces substantial benefits for the Finnish economy.
The promotion of transparent geospatial data is important for society and businesses to reap its full benefits. Meanwhile, it must be ensured that information critical to the security of society is not openly shared. This requires regular monitoring and evaluation, as well as new policies from time to time. In Finland, the use of geospatial data is governed by the Government’s report on geospatial data.
In society, parties requiring geospatial data 24/7 include but are not limited to the following:
- Rescue services
- Critical infrastructure such as electric power, water and telecommunications networks
- Aviation and maritime transport
- Logistics and the GPS tracking of cars
- Stock exchange transactions