Examples of practical application
swisstopo’s historical geodata are an important basis for numerous projects to a broad variety of users with the aim of reconstructing landscapes of the past.
The range of uses of historical geodata is extremely broad, but above all the data form the basis for tasks and studies relating to the monitoring of spatial development. The following examples show that for specialist applications of this type, swisstopo primarily acts as the supplier of basic data, while it is the users who actually put the data to practical use.
Cantonal border on Plaine Morte glacier
The Dufour and Siegfried maps played an important part in the 1994 ruling of the Federal Supreme Court concerning the canton to which the Plaine Morte glacier belongs.
Ruling of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court
(in German/French/Italian)
The Dufour and Siegfried maps played an important part in the 1994 ruling of the Federal Supreme Court concerning the canton to which the Plaine Morte glacier belongs.
Ruling of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court
(in German/French/Italian)
Permafrost: Bonnard glacier near Zinal
Within the scope of the “RiskNat” interregional project (2009 to 2013), the Alpine research centre, CREALP , is studying the long-term behaviour of the Bonnard glacier to the east of Zinal (Canton of Valais). Based on sheet 528 (Evolène) of the Siegfried Map , the 1878 status of the glacier was compared with the 2005/2009 geodata, which show that the ice has disappeared.
Inventory of Historical Transport Routes through Switzerland
The preparation of the Swiss Inventory of Historical Transport Routes would be inconceivable without referring to historical maps. In addition to early general and detailed maps, the most important basis for this inventory is the Siegfried Map. The resulting “inventory” maps are based on the 1:25,000 National Map.
Inventory of Historical Transport Routes through Switzerland - geographic information system
The preparation of the Swiss Inventory of Historical Transport Routes
would be inconceivable without referring to historical maps. In addition to early general and detailed maps, the most important basis for this inventory is the Siegfried Map. The resulting “inventory” maps are based on the 1:25,000 National Map. Inventory of Historical Transport Routes through Switzerland - geographic information system
Cadastre of polluted sites
Based on the Environmental Protection Act, the federal government issued an Ordinance on the Decontamination of Polluted Sites (Polluted Sites Ordinance), which requires cantonal authorities to prepare a cadastre of such sites. But since information obtained from the various land owners, municipalities and earlier expert reports is often contradictory, the cantonal authorities need verifiable information, for which purpose they rely on aerial images provided by swisstopo.
Federal Office for the Environment inventory of polluted sites
Based on the Environmental Protection Act, the federal government issued an Ordinance on the Decontamination of Polluted Sites (Polluted Sites Ordinance
), which requires cantonal authorities to prepare a cadastre of such sites. But since information obtained from the various land owners, municipalities and earlier expert reports is often contradictory, the cantonal authorities need verifiable information, for which purpose they rely on aerial images provided by swisstopo. Federal Office for the Environment inventory of polluted sites
Swiss National Park “GIStory” project
The Spatial Information division of the Swiss National Park is studying changes in the landscape, and for this purpose it is comparing terrestrial photos taken by swisstopo during the 1930s with up-to-date photos of the same regions.
GIStory Project
The Spatial Information division of the Swiss National Park
is studying changes in the landscape, and for this purpose it is comparing terrestrial photos taken by swisstopo during the 1930s with up-to-date photos of the same regions. GIStory Project
Contact
Swiss Federal Office of Topography
Map collection
Seftigenstr. 264
CH-3084 Wabern
Tel. +41 31 963 21 11
Fax +41 31 963 24 59
Documentation
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