Improving joint use and compatibility of geospatial data
The NLS’ goal is to promote the joint use of geospatial data with new methods and positioning equipment. The NLS is constantly working to improve transformations between the geoid models and reference systems in use. In the case of a major improvement, the model is published and information about it is communicated.
For example, the NLS published a new height transformation surface for satellite positioning and the official Finnish height system at the beginning of 2024. The geoid model makes the determination of height by means of satellite positioning 30% more accurate. Read more about the new geoid model.
“We have also received many enquiries about matters such as the precise coordinate transformations and EPSG codes, which identify the coordinate systems used, their format and the transformations used in geospatial data programmes,” says Hannu Koivula, Department Head from the NLS Finnish Geospatial Research Institute.
The NLS has decided that unique EPSG codes will be determined for all coordinate systems and the most accurate coordinate transformations will be implemented in the open source PROJ transformation library. Work has already started on the determination of the missing EPSG codes.
In practice, all producers and users of geospatial data use EPSG codes in their software. The PROJ library is also widely used, especially in open source geospatial data software. EPSG codes are used when using the PROJ library.
“We want to make sure that the official transformations by the NLS are available to everyone. This will improve the joint use and compatibility of geospatial data,” Hannu Koivula says.
Cost savings and better quality with open source solutions
The NLS aims to increase the benefits of cooperation in public administration and the geospatial data sector by more extensively utilising open source solutions and by actively participating in open source networks. The systems used by the NLS for the production of geospatial data and information services are largely based on open source code.
“The largest ongoing development project is the renewal of the topographic data production system based on an open source code. The aim is to have the new system in production use by April 2025. A project to renew map products and services will also primarily use open source code,” says Risto Ilves, Head of Development at the NLS.
The NLS publishes the applications it develops as open source code on GitHub. The development work done by the NLS has also been showcased at industry events such as FOSS4G Europe 2024 in July.
“We have investigated cooperation opportunities with different authorities, and a joint workshop is currently being planned. The aim is to find concrete areas where the different parties would benefit from collaboration in procurement or co-creation, for example. By working together, we can achieve cost savings and improve the quality of the services we provide,” Risto Ilves says.
World Heritage sites in topographic database
The NLS is looking into adding Finnish UNESCO World Heritage sites as a separate theme in the national topographic database. If implemented, the addition will contribute to the protection of the World Heritage sites and support regional land use planning.
The physical locations of the current seven Finnish UNESCO World Heritage sites and their associated protection areas will be determined to create a consistent and up-to-date data model for the topographic database. With the help of the data model, the protected World Heritage sites can be easily identified and updated through the NLS’s map and interface services, which will be an aid in activities such as regional planning and other large-scale land use planning.
“Preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in their original state for future generations also depends on responsible land use planning in their vicinity. The easier it is to obtain information about matters such as protection areas, the better and more reliably one can proceed with the construction of planned infrastructure,” explains specialist Ulla Mikkanen from the NLS.
Further information
Annukka Kokkonen, sustainability specialist, forename.surname@maanmittauslaitos.fi