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GTK Policy Brief: Geoinformation Supports Responsible Exploration of Natural Resources and Management of the Environment

A hand points at a holographic screen displaying a 3D model of a rock and scientific data.

Current and high-quality geoinformation is a critical asset when addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable natural resources management, environmental monitoring, and urban planning. Availability of spatial data and related digital solutions provide a platform that enables data-driven decision making and cost-efficient management practises. The accumulation and use of geological data enriches existing data and creates new information.

Here we highlight key priorities for advancing geoinformation to position Finland among global leaders in data-driven geoscience, through innovation and state-of-the-art approaches.

Innovative geoinformation solutions benefit society

Finland has expertise in collecting geodata, advanced technological infrastructure, and digitally available geological data. This positions the country among global geoinformation leaders, especially in mining, but also in water management, land use planning, and environmental monitoring.

Public geoinformation enables informed decisions for sustainable development, safer infrastructure and economic growth.

Geological Survey of Finland GTK manages extensive, high-quality datasets, including:

  • Geological data. Information on bedrock and superficial deposits, lithological formations and structures, and mineral deposits.
  • Geophysical data. For example, seismic, magnetic, and gravimetric surveying data from the Earth’s subsurface.
  • Environmental and geochemical data. Information on chemical composition of rock, soil, peat, and water.
  • Remote sensing, close-range sensing, and monitoring data. Collection of data using satellites, aerial surveys, drones, and ground-based sensors.

To maximise the benefits of public geodata we recommend following actions:

Adopt AI and machine learning in geoinformation systems

Promote policies encouraging the integration of AI/machine learning for enhanced geoinformation analysis and decision-making.

Harmonise geospatial standards

Establish global data standards to improve consistency and accuracy, making geospatial products more reliable and useful.

Support public geoinformation platforms

Invest in dynamic, real-time geoinformation platforms to provide decision-makers with accessible and applicable data.

Foster cross-sector partnerships

Strengthen collaboration between stakeholders to accelerate innovation in sustainable geoinformation applications.

Promote geoinformation for sustainable development

Encourage the use of advanced geoinformation in policy- making to reduce environmental impacts and optimise resource use.

The policy brief enables science based decision making. We are happy to discuss further.

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