Finnish national spatial data strategy 2016 - Position for spatial data

Abstract

Location: the unifying factor – Finnish national spatial data strategy 2010–2015 was published in autumn 2010. The previous national spatial data strategy for 2005–2010 had been published in 2004. In recent years, there have been significant changes to the operating environment. The establishment of national data policy in spring 2011 has launched an extensive opening of public data, as a result of which maps and spatial data have become the key fuel for new applications. Positioning and spatial data continue to be an increasingly inseparable part of everyday mobile device use. The Act on Information Management Governance in Public Administration (Laki julkisen hallinnon tietohallinnon ohjauksesta 634/2011) which entered into force in autumn 2011, steers public administration organisations to develop the interoperability of information systems. Reference architectures produced under the coordination of the Ministry of Finance, including the reference architecture for spatial data; exemplify the will to ensure interoperability. The reformed administrative processes are evident in electronic services and cost savings. The implementation of spatial data infrastructure steered by the Inspire directive has reached its first stage in 2013. Spatial data falling within the sphere of regulations has been made available in a shared manner in accordance with international standards. The infrastructure has been created and works now as a point of departure in the development of applications and services. Through the years, the focus of national spatial data strategy has shifted from the building of supply and infrastructure to the utilisation and use of the data. The emphasis of the vision is that the use of spatial data makes operations and decision-making more effective, as well as increasing participation opportunities. The proposed measures aim at improving the availability of data and the usability of services. The opportunities afforded by spatial data are developing continuously and they must be made increasingly well-known. Well-functioning cooperation between administration and companies is the prerequisite for the significant growth in the use of spatial data and cost savings. When successful, cooperation will produce innovative solutions for international markets. The national spatial data strategy has now been updated. The strategy group felt that there was no need to renew the previous strategy entirely. Previously recorded objectives are still valid. The measures proposed are, this time around, more concrete and they have been broken down into tasks and responsible parties have been named. Each organisation may find its place in the ecosystem of spatial data. The strategy challenges all parties to check the direction and goals of their own operations and to implement them in their own and shared key projects! Now is the time to discover and use the opportunities provided by spatial data. Locate the position of spatial data!