swisstopo provides measurements of Switzerland, ascertains and documents changes in the landscape (geological, geodesic and topographical) and produces maps of Switzerland.
Topographic maps (paper and digital) are updated and published regularly in various scales. Thanks to their quality and accuracy they are highly regarded in Switzerland and worldwide.
In co-operation with federal government, cantons, local communities and the private sector swisstopo makes geodata available for widespread use. The Geographic information act (GeoIG) is also a statutory foundation.
As a responsible official body swisstopo looks after all the interests of official surveying and public-private ownership restrictions (Federal Directorate of Cadastral Surveying).
swisstopo was founded in 1838 and today forms part of the armasuisse group in the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS). The modern production organisation has 320 employees and is located in Wabern near Bern.