Luoto: A QGIS-Based Platform for Planning Nature Management Projects in Finland

Background

Implementation of nature management projects (Luonnonhoitohankkeet) is one of the activities supported by the Kemera and Metka subsidies in Finland.

Subsidy for implementation of nature management projects can be granted for:

  • Maintenance and renovation work of environmentally important habitats and for rehabilitation of forest and peatland habitats
  • Preventing and repairing water damage caused by earlier ditching activities

Finnish Forest Centre manages nature management projects and grants subsidies for implementing the projects.

The Finnish Forest Centre needed a platform that will streamline the nature management process.

Functionalities

Luoto is a custom-built GIS solution. Arbonaut was responsible for the full end-to-end development of the Luoto system.

Using Luoto’s map interface and planning tools, the Finnish Forest Centre can:

  • Delineate project areas
  • Prepare detailed activity plans
  • Launch public tenders for implementation
Software for Suomen Metsäkeskus

Luoto web interface

Web interface in QGIS

Luoto's custom module in QGIS

The system also serves as a comprehensive information viewer, allowing users to browse:

  • Forest resource data
  • Environmentally important habitats
  • Estate and ownership data
  • Other key reference datasets

Outcome

Around 160 users rely on Luoto in their operational work. The system is implemented as a QGIS-based solution, ensuring license-free use, flexibility, and compatibility with widely used GIS tools.

Luoto provides the Finnish Forest Centre with a reliable, modern platform for coordinating nature-management work across Finland, helping ensure that important ecological restoration and habitat care activities are planned consistently and carried out effectively.