Geoinformatics

Geodesy is the science of measuring the Earth, the shape of the Earth, the movement of the Earth in space, and the gravity field of the Earth. Geodetic measurements are used to create and maintain coordinate systems, which form the basis of all geospatial data. Positioning satellite systems are based on geodesy and can be used to find a location at any time and in any place. In other words, geodesy lies behind many of the applications and systems used in today's world, even though it is often quite well hidden.

At the Geodesy Team at Aalto, we study the changing Earth, including its gravity field, sea level, height systems, and the movements of the Earth's crust over short and long timescales. Currently, we are focusing on crustal movements and the dynamics of Antarctica, research supported by the Research Council of Finland and the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. Our aim is to improve our understanding of the dynamic world, support satellite observations of climate change and help prepare for future changes.

Professor: Maaria Nordman

Geoinformation Technology (GeoIT) is an applied research field that uses theories and methods from computer science, information technology and applied mathematics to investigate and model various geographical phenomena. Geospatial data is widely used to describe real-world phenomena and the data are collected, processed, analysed, visualised and stored in specialized ways. Our research and teaching focuses in particular on the development of spatial analysis methods and algorithms, methodological development for spatial simulation, analysis and data mining, as well as software development related to different geospatial applications. 

The GIST Lab research group at the Department of Built Environment specialises in spatial analytics and the development of GeoIT methods to solve spatial problems, in particular those related to sustainable development. Our research is currently funded by the Academy of Finland and the EU, and we are a partner in the EU's Location Innovation Hub and the national Geoportti RI research infrastructure. You can find out more about all our ongoing projects on our website.

Professor: Henrikki Tenkanen

At the Remote Sensing Research Team at Aalto University, we explore Earth from above to understand forests and peatland vegetation. By combining satellite and airborne observations with detailed ground measurements, we study the spectral and structural properties of northern ecosystems, uncovering patterns in their dynamics, biodiversity and responses to environmental change. Our research has been supported by the Research Council of Finland, the European Research Council and private foundations, and we are proud to be part of the Finnish Center of Excellence in Peatlands, Climate Change and Ecological Restoration. Through advanced methods and a passion for understanding our natural world, we aim to advance understanding of ecosystem responses to environmental and climate change.

Read more about our research: aalto.fi/remotesensing

Professor:Miina Rautiainen

Photogrammetry, laser scanning, and other 3D sensing technologies are the main methods for measuring and modelling our living environment in 3D, 4D and virtual reality from point clouds and images. Our team’s research focuses on developing modern close-range mapping solutions and applications as mobile mapping methods and the automation of data processing for 3D modelling.

Professor: Kyle Gao