Lähtekoht

Lähtekoht is a Finnish noun meaning the place of origin or source location. It is formed from the elements lähde, meaning source, and kohta, meaning place. The term is used to refer to the location where something begins or originates, rather than to the object of origin itself.

In geography and hydrology, lähtekoht often describes the headwaters or spring from which a river or stream flows. It can also denote the starting point of a route, a trail, or a valley in a mapping or planning context. Identifying the lähtekoht helps in understanding watershed boundaries, flow directions, and hydrological processes.

In information science and research, lähtekoht can refer to the primary source or origin of information used in a study. The concept emphasizes the spatial or conceptual location of the source rather than the document or item itself. For example, discussions about data provenance may speak of the lähtekoht of the data in question.

Lähtekohta is related to but distinct from lähde and alkuperä. While lähde often designates the source material or the source itself (such as a river’s source or a document), lähtekoht highlights the place where that origin occurs. The term is used in contexts such as kartografiassa, hydrologiassa, and tietojenkeruussa to specify origin points, rather than the objects that are sourced.