JYVÄSKYLÄ.- A map does more than indicate location—it reflects society. Throughout history, maps have served as instru- ments of political power, works of art, conveyors of messages, and symbols of scientific and technological pro- gress. Maps help us navigate the world and understand our environment. The exhibition “Land Surveying and Mapping in Finland – Central Finland on the Map” presents the 390-year history of land surveying and mapping in Finland.

This story began in 1633, when the first surveyor was sent from Sweden to Finland. Over time, the number of surveyors grew, and by the end of the 17th century, almost the entire country had been mapped. The mapping process helped settle land disputes and reduced the violence associated with them.

The large-scale redistribution of farmland, known as the “Great Partition” (or Isojako), began in the late 18th century. This reform brought new work for land surveyors, as the traditional strip-farming system was abolis- hed and fields were redistributed. Forests once held in common by villages were also transferred to private ownership.

The repeated wars during this era highlighted the strategic importance of maps. Finland was mapped suc- cessively by Sweden and Russia. For a long time, especially in northern Finland, accurate maps were lacking. This changed with the national base map project (peruskartta), and by 1975, detailed maps covered the entire country.

Struve Geodetic Arc – 20th Anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1834, globally significant scientific work took place in Central Finland. Survey points of the Struve Geodetic Arc—a chain of triangulation points used to determine the size and shape of the Earth—were measured in seve- ral locations: Kuhmoinen, Joutsa, Jämsä, Korpilahti, Jyväskylä, Laukaa, Hankasalmi, Konnevesi, and Saarijärvi. The continuous arc stretched all the way from the Black Sea to the Arctic Ocean.

The Struve Arc was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 18 July 2005. Known as the "measuring tape of the Earth," it represents cultural heritage in science and technology, and forms a cornerstone of modern mapping. The entire arc is protected, with six representative triangulation points preserved in Finland. In Central Finland, the official point is located at Oravivuori hill in Korpilahti.

The exhibition explores the history of the Struve Geodetic Arc and the Oravivuori measurement point in more detail.

The exhibition was curated by Chief Engineer Antti Jakobsson from the National Land Survey of Finland and produced in cooperation with the National Land Survey of Finland and the Museum of Central Finland. It is based on the Land Survey of Finland’s national exhibition “Land Surveying and Mapping in Finland since 1633”. This local version has been adapted to include the Struve Arc and additional historical maps specific to Central Finland.

Aim to get Central Finland World Heritage Centre to Petäjävesi

The Land Surveying and Mapping in Finland exhibition also promotes the building of the Central Finland World Heritage Centre. The centre planned near Petäjävesi Old Church will focus on presenting Petäjävesi Old Church and the Struve Geodetic Arc as well as the World Heritage idea.

In conjunction with the exhibition, there will be a section where they will provide more information about the establishment of the World Heritage Centre and collect funds for the building of the centre. The Foundation of Petäjävesi Old Church administers the fund raising.