Pohjakarttoja

Pohjakarttoja is a Finnish term that translates to "base maps" or "foundation maps" in English. These are fundamental cartographic products that serve as a starting point for various spatial data applications and analyses. Pohjakarttoja typically depict a wide range of natural and man-made features of the Earth's surface at a given scale. They are essential for national mapping agencies and are often derived from extensive field surveys, aerial photography, and satellite imagery.

The primary purpose of pohjakarttoja is to provide a reliable and accurate representation of the landscape. They usually include information such as elevation contours, hydrography (rivers, lakes), transportation networks (roads, railways), boundaries (political, administrative), and significant man-made structures (buildings, settlements). The level of detail varies depending on the scale of the map, with larger-scale maps showing more intricate features.

In Finland, the National Land Survey of Finland (Maanmittauslaitos) is responsible for producing and maintaining the official pohjakarttoja. These maps are crucial for urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental management, and scientific research. They are also widely used by the public for navigation and understanding geographical context. The digital format of pohjakarttoja, often referred to as digital base maps, has become increasingly prevalent, allowing for easier integration with geographic information systems (GIS) and other digital tools.