viiteaikaan

Viiteaikaan is a Finnish term that denotes the moment or time period to which data, observations, or schedules are anchored. In technical contexts, it is used to describe the reference point from which other times are measured or interpreted. The concept helps ensure consistency when multiple time stamps or time-related figures are reported, allowing comparisons across datasets that may have been generated at different moments. A value described as viiteaikaan is understood as valid for the reference time, i.e., tied to that specific timestamp. For example, weather observations or timetable updates may be stated as being recorded or valid as of the reference time.

Etymology and usage notes: the term combines viite (reference) with aika (time). The form viiteaikaan appears in time expressions to indicate applicability to the reference time, and it is commonly translated as “as of the reference time” or “by the reference time.” In data standards and information systems, viiteaikaan aligns with the idea of an as-of timestamp or reference timestamp used to anchor data points and ensure coherent interpretation across related records.

Context and relevance: viiteaikaan is used in fields such as meteorology, transportation, finance, and data exchange to describe when data are considered valid or applicable. It helps clarify the temporal scope of measurements, forecasts, or schedules and supports accurate aggregation and comparison of time-dependent information.

See also: reference time, as-of timestamp, timestamping, data validity.