Member introduction: Maanmittauslaitos / National Land Survey of Finland
Maanmittauslaitos / National Land Survey of Finland is probably the best in the world when it comes to geospatial information and expertise in positioning. Professor, Director of FGI Jarkko Koskinen, explains how satellite imagery, aerial photography, laser scanning, and drones are used to create maps and 3D situational awareness.
“Our expertise includes real-time geospatial information and positioning data – which systems can be used to collect it, how to handle interference, and how to create a 3D situational view. We can create geometry and update real-time data for digital twins, such as autonomous smart vehicles or intelligent armoured vehicles.”
Why are you a DDE member?
“We are members for historical reasons. We produce all maps and positioning services for the Puolustusvoimat - Försvarsmakten - Finnish Defence Forces, which is our most important partner. It is impossible to engage in conflicts without maps. We have been an integral part of the military since the time of Swedish rule. Firstly, we safeguard Finnish land ownership. Secondly, we create secure maps of Finland. And thirdly, we develop future systems through academically high-quality research.”
Which themes interest you the most?
“We aim to help Finnish industries succeed within NATO and in global projects. We have experience collaborating with, for example, the US Armed Forces and the US Navy. As a research institute, we are not driven by financial profit but by international expertise, which in turn enhances our own capabilities. We possess new knowledge that companies do not yet have, and we can offer it to them in a way that improves their competitiveness.”
What projects are you working on right now?
“There’s talk of 'new Nokias' and DDE members have niche areas through which we can achieve success. One example is the geospatial data we produce – we have a test field in Eastern Finland where interference occurs. Together, we can develop devices that enhance resilience. We have several joint projects underway within DDE. We are developing a digital battle environment, contributing to the advancement of drone systems, and working on interference-tolerant positioning.”
What are your organisation’s future goals?
“We hope that the Finnish defence industry will gain recognition and succeed globally. The advantage for the National Land Survey is that if export products emerge from the defence sector with our help, it enhances the significance of our expertise. If citizens do not benefit from us, there is no point in being a public research institute. The majority of our funding comes from research projects under a client-producer model. Our value and purpose of existence are rooted in serving companies and citizens.”
