Maastotietoihin

Maastotietoihin (field data) refers to information collected on site about terrain and ground features for mapping, planning, and environmental work. The term is used in Finland to distinguish field observations from remotely sensed data or existing maps. Field data provide current, verifiable information that supports spatial analysis and decision making.

Typical content includes topography and elevation data, landforms, hydrology, soils, vegetation, land cover, and built features such as roads and buildings, as well as utilities. Data are usually stored as points, lines, and polygons with descriptive attributes and metadata about sources, accuracy, currency, and methods.

Data collection methods include field surveys, GNSS/GPS positioning, total stations, terrestrial laser scanning, and drone-based imagery. Collected data are integrated into GIS or geodatabases, and linked with existing national or regional datasets. Quality control and standardization focus on accuracy, consistency, and documentation of provenance.

Applications span urban planning, civil engineering, environmental monitoring, forestry, land use management, water management, and hazard assessment. Up-to-date field data improve planning, asset management, and situational awareness in operations and emergency response.