kartoitus

Kartoitus is a Finnish term referring to the process of mapping, surveying, or assessing the current state of a system, context, or need. The word derives from kartta meaning map, and conveys the act of tracing and describing existing conditions to enable planning and decision-making. In practice, kartoitus involves systematic collection and analysis of information to identify resources, gaps, stakeholders, and priorities.

Contexts: Kartoitus is used across public administration, social services, education, health care, and business. In municipal planning, it may map available services and population needs (palvelukartoitus, palvelujen kartoitus). In education and training, it can map skills, competencies, and prior learning (osaamiskartoitus). In IT and industry, it may refer to network or asset mapping (verkkokartoitus) or market mapping (markkinakartoitus).

Process: A kartoitus typically follows stages such as purpose definition, data collection (interviews, surveys, document reviews, observations), data synthesis, reporting, and recommendations. It emphasizes transparency of methods, stakeholder involvement, and privacy considerations when handling personal data.

Benefits and challenges: The main benefits are clearer understanding of needs, better alignment of services and resources, and a basis for prioritization. Challenges include data quality, bias, incomplete coverage, and the need for follow-up actions after the kartoitus.

See also: needs assessment, evaluation, survey, mapping.