As set down in the National Geographic Information Strategy, the National Council for Geographic Information functions as a cooperation body of actors in the field of geographic information in Finland. The Council specifies the outlines for developing the National Geographic Information Infrastructure, follows its development, deals with problems in practical operations, approves the common principles and launches the necessary projects. The Council also follows the international trends and makes sure that international needs are taken into account in developing the national infrastructure.

The tasks of the Council are:

1) to function as an expert, cooperation and negotiating body in matters relating to the joint use of geographic information, especially the national work on the proposed Directive establishing an infrastructure for spatial information in the Community (INSPIRE);

2) to launch and follow the implementation of the National Geographic Information Strategy;

3) to promote the production, maintenance and information service of geographic information to improve the possibilities for diversified use of the information in society and to minimise overlapping activities and information management systems; and

4) to evaluate the state of the research and education in the field of geographic information and the related development needs.

To support the implementation of the tasks and the National Geographic Information Strategy, the Council has set up sections for metainformation, harmonisation, information service and joint use, and research and education.