Korkeuskartta

Korkeuskartta is Finnish for an elevation map or topographic map. In Finland, Korkeuskartta refers to the official national topographic map service produced by the National Land Survey of Finland (Maanmittauslaitos). The map portrays the surface of the land and its relief, primarily through contour lines that show elevation and through color shading that helps readers perceive height differences. It also displays natural features such as forests, water bodies, and terrain forms, as well as man-made features like roads, buildings, and land use.

Elevation information is generated from digital elevation models created from LiDAR surveys, aerial photography, and other data sources. Contour intervals vary by scale and region, enabling both detailed local planning and broad overview. The Korkeuskartta is offered online with multiple map layers and is designed for use in geographic information systems. It supports activities such as planning, outdoor navigation, hiking, skiing, and education, and is used by government, industry, researchers, and the public.

Data are updated regularly to reflect new measurements and landscape changes, ensuring the terrain information remains current. The service emphasizes accuracy and accessibility to provide reliable terrain data across Finland, including both densely populated areas and remote regions. By integrating elevation data with other geographic features, Korkeuskartta serves as a foundational tool for understanding Finland’s topography and informing land-use decisions.