Published on 16 January 2024

Basic data

In addition to historical maps and digital 3D models, geological, geophysical and geotechnical datasets are indispensable for the sustainable management of our living space. GeoCover, as geological 2D model, depicts all of Switzerland geologically at the scale of 1:25'000. 

Visualisation and verification of processed data — © swisstopo

Earth science fundamentals play an important role in the sustainable use, planning and design of our living space. In addition to the analogue information available in map form, information especially from digital data and three-dimensional visualisations are vital.

As the federal competence centre for the collection, analysis and provision of such data, the Swiss Geological Survey is working hard to meet this demand. Within the framework of swisstopo’s geodata infrastructure, geological data of national importance can be accessed digitally via map.geo.admin.ch by both internal and external clients.

As before, the focus of the national geological mapping remains on completing the Geological Atlas 1:25'000 (GA25). In the meantime, the geological 2D models (GeoCover) provide cover of Switzerland with geological data of varying quality, on the basis of the 1:25'000 map sheets.

Digital 3D geological models are an important tool for visualising complex issues and problems relating to subsurface features in a simple and comprehensible manner. Whereas maps project geological observations on two-dimensional paper surfaces, 3D models are able to record and depict observations in their full spatial extent and their situation in relation to one another. The development of best practices for 3D geological modelling is a further priority of the Swiss Geological Survey.