Geographic information in the City of Turku is managed by the geographic information unit which employs about 25 people. The unit maintains a geographic information system that manages the municipality's statutory tasks. It also provides a number of e-services for citizens, such as the Turku Region Map Service, and produces a variety of spatial data sets, products and analyses for the city's needs.

The unit gained new skills by using the Location Innovation Hub's Borrow a Researcher service and training in the use of new technologies.

Elisa Mikkilä, Geographic Information Coordinator, City of Turku:

“We were eager to learn about new tools, technologies and practices related to geospatial information and wanted to provide training for our employees on how to use the new software.

Through the Location Innovation Hub, we received useful and up-to-date information on existing technologies, such as the use of artificial intelligence to support map production. Those using MapInfo in the city also received the support and guidance they needed to make the transition to QGIS.

The cooperation was nice and smooth, even though we were moving at a fast pace and with rather limited resources. Perhaps in the next possible round we will be better able to specify our wishes and needs. We have learnt that it is important to put forward your own ideas during the client process, they can always lead to something.”

Does your organisation need advice on the use of artificial intelligence in geospatial data processing or other tips from the best researchers in the field? Do you need training on new technologies and software? Let us help you. Find out more about becoming a client of the Location Innovation Hub and contact us. Most of our services are free of charge.

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