In addition to the maps, various other databases contain location information, in addition to the descriptive register information. The combination of these different sets of information (joint use) offers diverse opportunities for wide utilisation, processing and visualisation of the information e.g. in environmental monitoring, real estate administration, agriculture and forestry, land use planning, steering of traffic and transportation, navigation, national defence and market research.
Geographic information systems are constructed and used widely in both the public sector and private businesses. Efforts are made to promote the joint use of information by improving the technical compatibility of the information systems and facilitating the access to these.