swissNAMES3D
With over 400,000 geo-referenced entries, swissNAMES3D is the most comprehensive collection of Swiss geographic names. The free dataset is based on a simple data model and provides the ideal basis for a broad range of applications.

The most comprehensive collection of Swiss geographic names
Updating
The six-year updating cycle of swissNAMES3D is closely linked to that of the topographic landscape model. One edition of this dataset is published each year.
Applications
In combination with other geodata products, swissNAMES3D is a particularly useful labelling dataset which provides the ideal basis for developing name databases and search engines.
Application examples:
- Adding geographic names to various geodata sets
- Flexible and clear presentation of names on aerial photographs, maps and plans
- Labelling to aid comprehension of 3D visualisations (e.g. panoramic views)
- Developing databases of names for online solutions and search engines
- Creating directories of geographic names
Terms of use
Additional information
Technical details
Structure
The swissNAMES3D vector data set is a compilation of names from the topographic landscape model (TLM). The names belong to TLM landscape features and are linked to their 3D geometries, which means that they are also georeferenced. The basic data model comprises three thematic layers, which differ according to their geometry type (point, line, polygon). Thanks to additional attributes, the names can be categorised within a layer according to TLM feature classes.
Type of geometry |
Data content |
---|---|
Lines |
• Names of transport infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, cable cars, etc.) |
Points |
• Topographic names (peaks, passes, etc.) |
Polygons |
• Housing development names |
Perimeter
swissNAMES3D contains geographic names from Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
File formats
swissNAMES3D is available to download free of charge as a data packet in the following output formats:
- ESRI File Geodatabase
- ESRI Shapefile
- CSV text file
Coordinate systems
The data sets are available in the following Swiss coordinate systems:
- LV03 LN02
- LV95 LN02
Updating
The six-year updating cycle of swissNAMES3D is closely linked to that of the topographic landscape model. One edition of this data set is published each year.
Quality
swissNAMES3D has the following distinctive high-quality features:
- Full national coverage in homogeneous form and quality
- Horizontal and vertical accuracy: 0.2 to 1.5m in all three dimensions for well-defined landscape features, such as roads; 1 to 3m in all three dimensions for features without clear boundaries, such as housing developments
- Lines and polygons correspond to the areas to which names apply (e.g. housing development)
- Basic data model
- Promotes multilingualism
Documents
Almost all publications concerning swissNAMES3D are only available in German and French. Please select your preferred language in the navigation bar to view the desired document.
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