Kuvantamiskartoitus

Kuvantamiskartoitus, or image acquisition survey in Finnish, is a systematic planning activity that maps out the data-collection needs for projects that rely on imaging data. It is used across disciplines such as remote sensing, GIS, environmental monitoring, architecture, archaeology, and medical imaging to prepare for data collection and ensure compatibility with downstream analysis.

Its purpose includes aligning data requirements with available resources, ensuring data quality and consistency, standardizing metadata, and reducing project risk and cost by anticipating technical and ethical considerations.

Key components include: project objectives and intended use, spatial and temporal scope, imaging modalities (e.g., optical photography, multispectral or hyperspectral sensors, LiDAR, radar, thermal, medical imaging modalities like MRI or CT), sensor specifications, desired resolution and accuracy, coverage patterns, data acquisition protocols, calibration and QA procedures, data management and metadata standards, privacy and legal considerations, schedule, and budget.

Process steps typically involve: defining goals and success criteria; auditing existing data and gaps; selecting imaging modalities and platforms; specifying technical requirements (sensor types, altitude/scale, overlap, exposure, calibration); creating the acquisition plan and timeline; conducting a risk assessment; performing a pilot or trial run; collecting and documenting data; and obtaining formal approval.

Outputs include an acquisition plan, sensor specifications, data-management and metadata plans, quality-assurance procedures, risk and budget estimates, and documentation for project handover.

Examples of use include drone-based environmental monitoring, urban mapping, agricultural assessments, or medical imaging protocol development.