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Positioning Service swipos

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

Themes	Description
Augmented and Virtual Reality	swisstopo geodata provides a useful basis for 3D visualisations in the fields of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
Archiving of geodata	swisstopo and the Swiss Federal Archives developed a solution for the indefinite archiving of geodata in the form of the Ellipse project. The Ellipse project was completed at the end of 2016.
Apprenticeship at swisstopo	swisstopo offers fascinating apprenticeships for training as a geomatician, commercial employee or computer scientist with a Federal Proficiency Certificate (EFZ).
A journey through time – aerial images	Go on a fascinating journey and travel back in time with the help of aerial images from swisstopo. Discover the history of Switzerland’s landscape as seen from the air.
A journey through time – maps	Embark on a voyage through time with swisstopo’s topographic maps and travel through over 175 years of Swiss cartographical history.

Themes	Description
Basic data	What is in the ground beneath our feet? When it comes to the sustainable management of our living space, historical maps and digital 3D models are just as important bases as geological, geophysical and geotechnical datasets. The GeoCover vector dataset depicts all of Switzerland on the basis of the 1:25,000 map sheets.

Themes	Description
Coordinates	How are coordinates calculated? The calculation of coordinates requires a coordinates system and a map projection method. Then control points have to be marked on the ground.
Cantonal and municipal boundaries	In Switzerland, the cantons are responsible for cantonal and municipal boundaries, which are recorded in the cadastral survey.
Cadastral system	The Swiss cadastral system comprises three pillars: the cadastral survey, the Cadastre of Public Law Restrictions on Landownership (PLR Cadastre) and the land register.
Cadastral Surveying	The cadastral survey safeguards landownership and forms the basis for geodata and standardised geographic information systems.
Colloquia - presentations	swisstopo colloquia primarily serve the internal further training of our specialists at all levels. Presentations from past colloquia are archived here.

Themes	Description
Digital geological data	Basic geological data in digital form are primarily used for carrying out modern geological analyses and exploring the underground. They form an essential basis for the development of comprehensive geological datasets and models in the domains of natural hazards, geo-energy and raw materials, as well as for dealing with issues relating to the environment.
Dufour Map	The topographical map of Switzerland 1:100,000 (Dufour map) was the first official mapping work covering all of the Swiss territory. Its first edition was published between 1845 and 1865.
Documents see Publications	Reports, specialist publications, instruction manuals, product information and presentations of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo.
Director	Fridolin Wicki is head of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo
Directory of towns and cities	The official directory of towns and cities lists all Swiss localities in a database by name, postcode and perimeter.
Directory of building addresses	The official directory of building addresses lists all official addresses in Switzerland in a single uniform register.
Direct supervision	Seven cantons plus Liechtenstein have assigned the operational management of the cadastral survey to the Federal Directorate of Cadastral Surveying.

Themes	Description
European reference systems	The European reference system, ETRS89, permits more accurate connection to local reference systems of the national survey.
Exchange of data between authorities	On 6 April 2016 the Federal Council signed an agreement on the exchange of basic federal geodata between authorities, thus creating the basis for simplified use of these data.
Events	swisstopo regularly attends public and trade fairs, and organises symposiums on various aspects of geoinformation.

Themes	Description
Fundamental point	Zimmerwald geostation is the fundamental point of the national survey and thus forms the point of origin for Switzerland’s coordinates system.
Free basic geodata (OGD)	swisstopo provides its official data and products online, free of charge and for open access use. This step is being taken within the framework of the Open Government Data (OGD) Strategy.
Free geodata	The free geodata can be downloaded directly into the swisstopo onlineshop after acceptance of the terms of use. They are also available on opendata.swiss with further datasets.

Themes	Description
Gravimetry	Gravimetry is a method that is applied for measuring the earth’s gravity field, which has to be taken into account when carrying out geodetic measurements.
Global navigation satellite systems	GNSS is a collective term that refers to the use of global navigation satellite systems. Here are a few examples.
Geographic names	Geographical names shape our everyday lives. But what are geographical names in the first place and what are the special features of multilingual Switzerland?
Geodata infrastructure	Geodata infrastructures are used to optimally network and make available geographic, or spatial, information. The aim is to make this so-called geoinformation accessible to a wide range of users simply, cheaply and in high quality.
geo.admin.ch	The federal geoportal geo.admin.ch provides digital access to maps, aerial photographs and geographic information from the federal administration covering the entire territory of Switzerland. You can thus access geoservices, information and data from the various federal departments easily and free of charge.
Geoinformation and geodata	Geodata is digital information that can be assigned a specific spatial location on the earth's surface.
Geology in everyday life	How are rocks formed? Why is geology so important when it comes to energy production? The history of our planet is full of secrets and fascinating facts. The Swiss Geological Survey offers a range of easily comprehensible publications and free guided tours that help raise our awareness of geology.
Geological topics	Where are Switzerland’s mineral resources located? Where and how can geothermal energy be used sustainably in order to produce energy? The Swiss Geological Survey creates the basic data for the utilisation of geo-resources. It promotes an awareness and appreciation of geology in everyday life and provides answers to a variety of social questions.
Geo-resources	Where does Switzerland have resources of raw materials? Where and how can geothermal energy be used in a sustainable manner in order to produce energy? The term “geo-resources” refers to all geological resources that serve as the basis for life in modern-day society: groundwater, mineral resources, energy production and underground space for construction, storage and disposal of materials.
GeoMol	A geological 3D model of the Swiss Plateau
Geological maps	The Swiss Geological Survey’s geological maps currently form the sole nationwide dataset relating to the structure of the underground in Switzerland. They thus make a valuable contribution towards the exploration and sustainable use of the underground. Both digital datasets and 3D models of the underground can be derived from these maps.
geoBIM strategy of swisstopo	Aim of the geoBIM strategy of swisstopo is to develop national standards for coordinated high-quality data that can be widely used.
Graduate internships at swisstopo	A graduate internship at swisstopo provides trainees with an opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study, and is an ideal way to launch their career. It is also a good opportunity for them to begin to assume responsibility in their profession and establish valuable contacts.
geocat.ch	geocat.ch is the Swiss Catalogue for geometadata. Geometadata describe geospatial data and enable its search, evaluation and management.
Geodetic points (FPDS)	In its “control point data service”, swisstopo provides control point data online. Here you can access the control point data service data viewer.
Gravity Field Consortium	In cooperation with the Mathematical and Physical Geodesy Group at the Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, swisstopo offers a new geoid model and software for calculating gravimetric data.
Geological services	The Swiss Geological Survey provides access to geological data and 3D models of the underground. It coordinates geological activities in Switzerland and provides advice on geo-energy projects and subsurface construction projects.

Themes	Description
Historical maps	The swisstopo map collection is a cultural treasure comprising all first editions and revised versions of the official maps: Dufour, Siegfried and National.
History and collections	Qui potete trovare maggiori informazioni sulla collezione di fotografie storiche, carte storiche e strumenti storici dell'Ufficio federale di topografia swisstopo. La sezione contiene anche tutte le informazioni importanti sulla storia di swisstopo.
History of swisstopo	Information on the history of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo: Dufour Map, Siegfried Map, National Map and digital models.From map production with theodolite and tilt rule to photogrammetry and digital cartography.
Historical images	swisstopo preserves the image collection using conservation measures and ensures that this Swiss cultural asset remains accessible. The image collection is a unique cultural treasure that encompasses approximately half a million aerial and terrestrial images as well as photos documenting the activities of the Office.

Themes	Description

Themes	Description
Job vacancies	Are you interested in a new career challenge? In swisstopo you will find the ideal conditions for your personal and professional development. Bring us your ideas and contribute actively to the swisstopo of today and tomorrow.

Themes	Description
KML generation	With swisstopo’s KML generation geoservice you can convert a file with Swiss national coordinates or GPS data into a KML file.

Themes	Description
Laser scanning	With terrestrial and aerial laser scanning, millions of points are produced in order to survey a given surface.
Levelling	Levelling is the classical and simplest method of determining heights. Find out more here.
LV95	LV95 is the local reference frame of the Swiss national survey. It is based on the CHTRS95 and CH1903+ reference systems.
LiDAR Data	Lidar data are 3D data acquired by laser scanning from an airplane. High-precision digital elevation models of the landscape can be derived from the point clouds.
Legal bases and jurisdiction	Swisstopo is the federal authority responsible for the national border. International treaties and agreements with neighbouring countries form the basis for this task.
Long-term availability of geodata	The long-term availability of geodata such as maps and aerial photographs is ensured by swisstopo. The long-term archiving of geodata makes it possible to analyze changes in Switzerland over long periods of time.
Long-term conservation	swisstopo is obliged by the geoinformation legislation to guarantee the availability of its official geodata. Long-term conservation ensures that the geodata remains usable over time.
Landscape memory	swisstopo has been documenting Switzerland’s topographic development for around 175 years. Preserving various geodata and making them available in the form of time series has resulted in a landscape memory of Switzerland that traces all the changes and developments over a lengthy period of time.

Themes	Description
Mineral raw materials	Mineral raw materials such as gravel, sand, limestone and clay are widely used in the construction industry and are largely mined in Switzerland. However, Switzerland also imports many raw materials, especially energy raw materials and metals, including the special metals and rare earths that are important for the energy transition.
Map reading	Useful aids that make map reading easy. The leaflets "Map reading" and "Conventional signs" offer interesting facts for national map users and lessons.
Map production	The steps involved in map production are surveying, aerial photography, evaluation, recording of landscape objects in the database and digital cartography.
Map viewer map.geo.admin.ch	Discover swisstopo maps and geodata on your screen. Measure distances and areas, compare current and historical aerial photographs or add a drawing.
Material sales	Here you will find special field and boundary marking materials used by swisstopo. You can order special materials, markers. bolts, etc, by phone or e-mail.

Themes	Description
National border	The external boundary of Switzerland's sovereign territory is designated as its national border, which is specified in cooperation with its neighbouring countries.
National Map	The national maps of Switzerland that are in use today are based on the provisions of the legislation dating from 1935. These maps were implemented at varying scales and subsequently replaced the Dufour and Siegfried maps and their supplements.
Newsletter	Stay up to date and receive regular information on new products, upcoming events and geodata updates as well as other news from the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo.
Notification of an amendment	Inform swisstopo about any changes to the terrain or errors in the geodata and maps. This can be easily carried out from your PC at home or from your smartphone on the go via the swisstopo app.
News about geodata	In this section you will find information about updates and news concerning swisstopo's geodata.

Themes	Description
Open Government Data OGD	swisstopo provides its official data and products online, free of charge and for open access use. This step is being taken within the framework of the Open Government Data (OGD) Strategy.
Official street directory	The official street directory lists all streets in Switzerland, including their names, that are used for the registration of addresses.
Official geographic directories	Here you will find the official directories of towns and cities, streets and building addresses in Switzerland. The data are public and available free of charge.

Themes	Description
Photogrammetry	Photogrammetry is a method for obtaining images of a specific terrain by photographing it from above with a digital surveying camera.
PLR Cadastre	In Switzerland, official restrictions on landownership are organised in the information system of the PLR Cadastre.
Publications see Documents	Annual reports, magazines, flyers, brochures and printed newsletters of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo.
Panoramas	On request, swisstopo creates individual panoramic views with different display options and a freely selectable viewing location. DIGIRAMAs are often used to create panoramic panels.

Themes	Description

Themes	Description
Reference system as basis for coordinates	Coordinates are specified on the basis of a reference system which defines the measurement units, point of origin and position of the coordinates system.
Reference frame: making the reference system comprehensible	Hundreds of surveying control points are specified as coordinates, which form the reference frame for all surveys carried out in Switzerland.
Resources	Mineral raw materials such as gravel, sand, limestone and clay are widely used in the construction industry and are largely mined in Switzerland. However, Switzerland also imports many raw materials, especially energy raw materials and metals, including the special metals and rare earths that are important for the energy transition.
Revocation of contract	Information on the right of revocation for purchase contracts with swisstopo.
REFRAME	With REFRAME you can convert coordinates to position and/or height. Here you can use the REFRAME service online.

Themes	Description
Swiss reference systems	Switzerland has both a global (CHTRS95) and a local (CH1903+) reference system. These were defined together with the 1995 national survey (LV95).
Sovereign borders	Swiss sovereign borders and boundaries are classified in three different categories: national borders, cantonal boundaries and municipal boundaries. Find out more here.
Siegfried Map	The original photographs, which had already formed the basis for the production of the Dufour Map, were published in the form of the Topographic Atlas of Switzerland 1:25,000/1:50,000 (Siegfried Map). The first edition of the Siegfried Map was published between 1870 and 1926.
Swiss Geological Survey	The Swiss Geological Survey at swisstopo is the federal competence centre for the collection, analysis, storage and provision of geological data. It prepares the decision-making bases for shaping our living space and requires an appreciation for our landscape.
swisstopo: facts and figures	Find out about swisstopo, its map production, number of employees and other facts and figures relating to its wide-ranging activities.
Social media	Communication with our customers and partners is very important to us. This is why we have a social media presence, posting news, the latest photos and videos and providing fascinating insights into what we do. Find out more about swisstopo and get in touch. We want to know what you think!
Surveying	swisstopo’s services in fields such as geo-surveying and geodetic measurement are publicly available. Here you will find an overview.
Satellite images	swisstopo procures satellite images from all over the world for Swiss customers. Here you will find the most important information.

Themes	Description
Trigonometric point determination	In the national survey using trigonometry, survey points are determined from the ground and calculated in accordance with the rules of trigonometry.
The digital border	Today, geographic information systems are used for managing and documenting the national border. Find out more about the digitalisation of the national border.
Topographic Landscape Model	The Topographic Landscape Model (TLM) represents the topographic objects of Switzerland - digitally and in 3D format. It forms the basis for the production of the national maps and for numerous other geodata products.
Time series	The term “time series” refers to a chronologically arranged set of geodata. Time series exist for practically all swisstopo geodata and products that are stored and made available to users.
Training and further education	swisstopo offers around 30 apprenticeships, a traineeship for sports students and 10 to 15 places for university internships. In addition, the Federal Office of Topography regularly promotes master's theses with swisstopo-relevant questions as part of the swisstopoEDU programme.
Transportation network CH	The Swiss Transport Network optimises and expands on public sector transport infrastructure data, provides reliable basic data and makes transport infrastructure and mobility data combinable and generally usable.

Themes	Description

Themes	Description
Virtual Reality	With the swisstopo VR app, anyone interested can virtually visit eight sites in Switzerland. The 3D visualisations in the app were prepared using geodata from swisstopo.
View swisstopo maps and geodata online	Get more out of swisstopo's geodata. Draw routes, measure distances and compare national maps and aerial photographs. Practical tools help you to view, evaluate or discover the wide range of data. On the road, on your smartphone or at home on your PC.

Themes	Description

Themes	Description

Themes	Description

Themes	Description
Zimmerwald geostation	Zimmerwald geostation contains precise station coordinates, and functions as the fundamental station and most important reference point for the national survey.

Themes	Description
3D geology	3D geological models depict a simplified version of the underground. The 3D geological models developed by swisstopo make a major contribution towards the regulation of conflicts relating to the utilisation of the underground.
3D printout	Various printing processes enable the creation of spatial physical models using 3D printers. With that, we can transform digital geodata into an analogue 3D model.
3D-Viewer	Experience a digital 3D model of Switzerland in the federal map viewer map.geo.admin.ch.
3D flights	swisstopo creates animated 3D visualisations from geodata at the request of clients. In this way, for example, changes in glaciers or the routes of sporting events can be presented in an attractive and dynamic way.
3D: customised visualisations and geodata	Let swisstopo create customised 3D visualisations and 3D geodata for you.

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Positioning Service swipos

General Terms and Conditions (GTC) for the Purchase and Use of swipos Services

0 Terminology

Terminology used in this document:

swisstopo: Federal Office of Topography. swisstopo is the provider of the swipos service.
Order: Corresponds to the «Agreement» in accordance with Article 12, paragraph 1b, Federal Geoinformation Act (SR 510.62).
Licensee: Private client or company with whom a swipos business relationship exists.

1 Principles

These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) shall form an integral part of each order.
When submitting an order, the licensee accepts all the general terms and conditions of the swipos services. The business relationship between the licensee and swisstopo shall commence upon the submission of the initial order.

2 Access and scope of application

The order entitles the licensee to access the swipos services cited therein and to use them in accordance with the corresponding licence type.
Any attempt on the part of the licensee to access the swipos data beyond the scope permitted by the granted licence shall be deemed an unlawful act.

3 Use of the swipos services

There are several types of licence that authorise the corresponding use of the swipos services by licensees (cf. following table):

Commercial licence
School licence
Research and development licence
Trial licence
Demonstration licence

The licensee shall be entitled to use the following swipos services in accordance with the procured licence:


Use	Licence type
Use	Com- mercial licence	School licence	Research and development licence¹	Trial licence²	Demon- stration licence
Fulfilment of business purpose	Yes	No	No	No	No
Forwarding of data to a contractor or sub-contractor of the licensee for purposes that serve the licensee’s business activities	Yes	No	No	No	No
Use for educational purposes as member of teaching staff or tutor - In classrooms - In courses by educators and teaching personnel within the designated school or educational institution	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Scientific research	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Demonstration purposes, e.g. at product presentations or exhibitions	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Development of new products and services (excl. commercial use of swipos data).	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Verification of service availability and coverage.	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
¹ For the development of products and services, limited to 3 months or project duration ² Maximum duration 2 weeks

Any use by the licensee that extends beyond the specified scope shall be deemed an unlawful act. For any other uses whatsoever, the licensee must request the consent of swisstopo.

4 Fair Use

A flat rate licence shall entitle the licensee to reasonable utilisation of the RINEX data (principle of fair use). In the event of excessive use of the data by the licensee, swisstopo may take appropriate measures.

5 Fees

The licensee undertakes to pay all applicable licence fees. The licence fees shall be based on the Ordinance of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport on fees and charges of the Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo fees and charges ordinance / SR 510.620.2). The billing period is a full calendar year. Licence fees are charged at the beginning of each billing period.

6 Term and termination

The licences are valid for one year from the date of order. Unless the licensee terminates the licence, it will be automatically renewed for a further year.
Termination of a licence must be notified to swisstopo in writing. The period of notice is 30 days. The licensee shall be responsible for providing evidence of notification within the specified period
In the event of breach of contract or unlawful behaviour on the part of the licensee, swisstopo may terminate the agreement with immediate effect. In this case, the licensee shall not be entitled to a refund of any fees that have already been paid.

7 Transfer of swipos data

Data transfer is carried out via the means specified by the licensee and shall not form an integral part of the swipos services.

8 Operating provisions

swipos is operated as a best effort service. The service runs around the clock, the service hours and the swipos hotline correspond to swisstopo's opening hours.
No guarantee can be given for the uninterrupted and trouble-free functioning of the swipos services.

9 Data protection provisions

All data transferred by the licensee to swisstopo in connection with the order for a swipos licence shall only be used by swisstopo for information and administration purposes relating to the procured swipos services. swisstopo shall not pass on such data to other internal units or third parties.

10 Validity of these general terms and conditions

swisstopo reserves the right to amend these general terms and conditions where necessary. swisstopo shall inform the licensee of a swipos service about any such amendments in a suitable form and without delay.
In the event of any contradictions between the various language versions of these general terms and conditions, the German version shall be binding.

11 Applicable law, place of jurisdiction

The business relationship shall be solely subject to Swiss law, in particular the provisions of federal law governing geoinformation and fees. Insofar as federal administrative law does not contain applicable clauses, the corresponding provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations shall apply, especially those governing general contractual law.

Place of jurisdiction is Bern, Switzerland.

Wabern, February 2023.