What is spatial data?

Spatial data is much more than just coordinates on a screen or on paper. Spatial data forms the basis for many decisions that are made around us every day – whether it is the location of a new school building, the protection of flying squirrels, road planning, or simply where construction is allowed and where it is not.

How is spatial data created?

The largest producer and publisher of spatial data in Estonia is the Land and Spatial Development Board. This task means that our role is to ensure accurate and high-quality data, which is an important basis for making decisions about the living environment, but also for the defense and transport sectors. Thanks to accurate spatial data, emergency services and the police can reach their destinations, new roads and buildings can be planned, couriers can deliver parcels, and people can hike on nature trails.

Spatial data is collected by both aircraft and satellites

Every year, the Land and Spatial Development Board's aircraft flies over more than half of Estonia, and aerial photography for orthophotos is carried out every year over half of Estonia – alternately in the northern and southern parts of the country. Aerial photographs are processed photogrammetrically using digital stereo workstations into orthophotos and elevation models, which are valuable material for spatial analysis and mapmaking.

Satellite data is another important source of spatial data. The advantage of satellite data is its speed, as both natural and man-made changes can be monitored in real time. Satellite data provides important insights for climate change, agriculture, and urban planning. The national satellite data center ESTHub, established under the Land and Spatial Development Board, processes and distributes data from Sentinel satellites sent into orbit as part of the European Union's Copernicus remote sensing program. 

Spatial data in everyday life

When using Waze or Google Maps, many people may not realize that one of the sources of their data is the Land and Spatial Development Board.

Why does spatial data need to be constantly updated?

The space around us is constantly changing, which is why data needs to be updated. Accurate maps ensure that the state and local governments can rely on correct data when making decisions – for example, when planning new kindergartens, transport solutions, and healthcare services. Spatial data is needed by companies in various fields: logistics, postal and courier services, insurance, construction, real estate companies, etc. All fields whose activities require addresses and place names to locate places are directly related to spatial data.

The video clip shows the change in the Harilaiu coastline between 2005 and 2023.

The greatest benefit comes from combining data

A single data point does not tell us much. But when data is linked and visualized—a house is located in a forest, near a sandy seashore, and is accessible by a well-maintained road—a wealth of new knowledge emerges, and likely additional questions about what else we would like to know. Data is most useful when different types of data are combined. For example, remote sensing data has its strengths, and by combining it with other spatial data, we achieve maximum accuracy and greater value.

For example: 

• Where can a new residential area be built, considering the characteristics of the land, existing infrastructure, and nature conservation restrictions?
• What impact will the new road section have on the living environment?
• Is the property located in a flood zone?
• How much is the land tax on the property?
• What can I do on my property?

It is precisely this kind of data sharing that helps to make better, smarter, and more transparent spatial decisions.

Spatial data and the smart state

In the context of the digital state, good management of spatial data means that:

• We do not have to enter the same information repeatedly (e.g., for different agencies).
• The public sector, businesses, and communities can make decisions based on shared knowledge.
• Everyone has the opportunity to find out what is happening around them.
• Construction and planning procedures are fast and transparent.

Space creation starts with data

Spatial planning—whether it involves architectural solutions, road networks, urban planning, or rural development—needs a solid foundation. And that foundation is data, which can be used to make informed choices. The better, more up-to-date, and more relevant the data is, the better the decisions will be.