Geoinformatics and Cartography

The research conducted by the Department of Geoinformatics and Cartography focuses on the inter-operability of geospatial services, quality of geographic information, 3D modelling, usability research on map user interfaces (UIs), mobile cartography, and context-sensitive maps. In the EU FP7 project Haptic, Audio and Visual Interfaces for Maps and Location Based Services (HaptiMap), the department develops multimodal map UIs for special user groups such as the elderly and visually impaired people.

An extensive test environment in Nuuksio National Park has been developed by the Department for testing geospatial applications for personal navigation. The test environment is based on laser scanned data and utilization of other new technology for data acquisition.

The department participates actively in several projects that aim to advance spatial data infrastructure (SDI) both nationally and internationally. These projects include the National Geographic Information Strategy and the EU project European Spatial Data Infrastructure Network (ESDIN) that is related to the implementation of the INSPIRE directive.