Published on 8 January 2024

swissBUILDINGS3D 2.0

swissBUILDINGS3D 2.0 is a vector based dataset which describes buildings as 3D models with roof geometries and roof overhangs. The high degree of detail in all three dimensions, together with the high coverage and realistic rendering of the building volumes, make this product a valuable basic dataset for a large range of applications.

Important information: swissBUILDINGS^3D 2.0 is no longer updated. But the product remains available. From now on, swisstopo will only update swissBUILDINGS^3D 3.0 Beta. In this dataset, the building models are already available in several cantons with the federal building identifier (EGID).

3D building models of Switzerland

Production methode

The digital ADS aerial photo-strips serve as the base data for the extraction and modelling of the buildings. Based on these images, the roofs are manually extracted in 3D, using the photogrammetric method of digital image (stereo) correlation, enhanced with additional information. The corresponding footprints and facades are then derived in an automated process.

Applications

swissBUILDINGS^3D 2.0 offers an ideal 3D basis, particularly for the use in architecture, planning and engineering offices, as well as software developers or governmental authorities. The depiction of buildings are paramount within a digital landscape model, hence swissBUILDINGS^3Dis frequently used for:

3D visualizations and 3D web platforms
Basis for urban and spatial planning, residential development projects, mobility, telecommunications or energy
Visibility and shadow analyses
Various distribution analyses (e.g. of noise, air pollutants, electromagnetic radiation)
Calculation of solar potential
Simulation of natural disasters
Ecology and urban climatology

Additional information

Structure
swissBUILDINGS^3D 2.0 is comprises one thematic layer (buildings with roof shape). The buildings themselves represent 3D objects. Every object is further described with several attributes (e.g. object type, use or name). For data formats that can only receive one attribute, the attribute "object type" is used.
File formats
- ESRI File Geodatabase (MultiPatch Features)
- DXF
- ESRI Shapefile (MultiPatch Features) (please order data by email at geodata@swisstopo.ch)
- CityGML (please order data by email at geodata@swisstopo.ch)
- KML (please order data by email at geodata@swisstopo.ch)
- OBJ (please order data by email at geodata@swisstopo.ch)
Coordinate systems
- LV95/LN02
Quality
The photogrammetric capturing method allows for a high degree of precision and detail for swissBUILDINGS^3D2.0.

Precision: ±30cm to 50cm planimetric and altimetric

Level of detail: a vector based building model comprises a footprint, facades, roof overhangs and realistic roof shapes, excluding textures. Larger roof elements (such as dormers or annexes) with a minimum dimension of 8 m side length are taken into consideration.

Minimum dimensions for single buildings: principal building ≥ 8 x 3m; isolated buildings with smaller dimensions may also be captured, subject to individual evaluation.

CityGML specification : LoD 2.3
Almost all publications concerning swissBUILDINGS^3D are only available in German and French. Please select your preferred language in the navigation bar, to view the desired document.
Sample data: swissBUILDINGS3D 2.0 - LV95
- swissBUILDINGS3D 2.0
Sample data shows the type and format of the data and can therefore be used for test purposes.
- map.geo.admin.ch (3D Viewer)