Tilikartalla

Tilikartalla is a collaborative mapping and cultural documentation project focused on places of significance across Finland. It combines geographic data with user-submitted narratives to create an evolving, community-driven map. The name translates roughly to "on the map" in Finnish, underscoring the project's aim to anchor local knowledge in a shared digital space.

Established in 2017 by urban researchers, artists, and librarians, Tilikartalla began as a neighborhood pilot in Helsinki before expanding nationally. The initiative is governed by the Tilikartalla Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to participatory mapping and cultural heritage. It operates with partnerships across municipalities, archives, and educational institutions.

The platform collects geotagged places, historical notes, photographs, audio recordings, and personal stories contributed by volunteers. Submissions are moderated by a combination of volunteers and staff to ensure accuracy and respect. The public interface presents an interactive map with narrative layers, such as neighborhoods, street art, migrations, and local economies.

Access to the map and story content is free and open to the public. Educators use it as a teaching tool for geography, history, and civic engagement, while researchers examine how memory and place intersect in urban environments. Journalists also cite it as a resource for community-driven storytelling.

Reception has been mixed but generally positive, with praise for participation and visibility of overlooked sites. Critics raise concerns about data quality, representational bias, and the sustainability of open, volunteer-driven platforms. Proponents emphasize ongoing capacity-building through partnerships with libraries, cultural institutions, and schools.