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Knowledge & facts

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

Themes	Description
Augmented and Virtual Reality	Augmented (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are special types of 3D visualisations. They are being used more and more widely and are slowly establishing themselves in everyday life. With its 3D geodata swisstopo offers a useful basis for creating such applications.
Archiving of geodata	Archiving of geodata at the federal level focuses on the storage of geodata for an unlimited period of time. The archived geodata can then be made available in a future geoinformation system. Within the scope of the Ellipse project, swisstopo and the Swiss Federal Archives (SFA) developed a solution for the archiving of geodata. The project was concluded at the end of 2016 and the results are documented in the manual on the archiving of federal geodata.
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 almost 175 years of Swiss cartographical history, even as far back as the time before the Swiss Confederation was founded.

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.
Background information on the 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.
Background information on the Dufour Map	The 1:100,000 topographic map of Switzerland (Dufour Map) was the first official series of maps that encompassed the whole of the country. It was published in the period from 1845 to 1865 and thus coincides with the creation of the modern Swiss Confederation.
Background information on the Siegfried Map	The original surveys for the Dufour Map were used for the publication of the 1:25,000 / 1:50,000 Topographic Atlas of Switzerland (Siegfried Map), which was produced between 1870 and 1926 as a co-operation between the federal government and the cantons, based on two Federal Acts dating from 1868.

Themes	Description
Coordinates	How do you inform people about your location? As a rule you give them an address or describe your surroundings. With the aid of coordinates, however, you can accurately indicate the position of a given location within a few centimetres. This page explains what coordinates are and how they are calculated.
Cantonal and municipal boundaries	The cantons are responsible for cantonal and municipal boundaries. swisstopo manages a data set of all of these boundaries which is updated annually and issued for free.
Cadastral system	The Swiss cadastral system comprises three pillars: the cadastral surveying, the Cadastre of public-law restrictions on landownership (PLR Cadastre) and the land register.
Cadastral Surveying	The Swiss cadastral survey safeguards landownership and is the basis for numerous other geographic information tools and applications for both professional and private use.
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.
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	This directory contains the names, perimeters and post codes of all localities in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Directory of building addresses	The official directory of building addresses lists all official addresses in Switzerland. The directory includes all buildings used for residential purposes, workplaces and buildings of general public interest.
Direct supervision	The cantons are responsible for the operational management of the cadastral survey. Six cantons plus the Principality of Liechtenstein have delegated this task to a federal authority, namely the Federal Directorate of Cadastral Surveying, and are therefore subject to direct supervision.

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European reference systems	In addition to the conventional national reference systems, there is a European reference system called ETRS89. The connection of national reference systems to global, terrestrial reference systems by means of geodetic measuring methods results in only a limited degree of accuracy. However, modern (local) reference systems, distinguish themselves by providing a precisely defined link to global systems, thus allowing absolute positioning within a centimetre.
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	As the fundamental point, Zimmerwald geostation is operated jointly by swisstopo and the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern. It is used both for national surveying and for research in astronomy and geodesy.
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	The Earth’s gravity field influences practically all geodetic measurements and thus always has to be taken into account. It is determined with the aid of gravimetric measurements.
Global navigation satellite systems	The abbreviation GNSS refers to the use of the various existing and future global navigation satellite systems, including:
Geographic names	Spatial referencing is one of the most important aspects of everyday life. It often determines our life and actions without being noticed. Verbal communication in association with topographic objects is difficult to imagine without the use of names. It is much easier to locate geographic units and elements with the aid of names than through the use of coordinates.
Geodata infrastructure	Spatial (geo)information is of great importance in many decision-making processes in business and politics but also in the private sector. With the help of spatial data infrastructures, this information is optimally interlinked and made available. The aim is to make spatial information accessible to a wide range of users simply, affordably and of high quality.
geo.admin.ch	The federal geoportal geo.admin.ch provides digital access to the maps, aerial photographs and geographic information of the federal administration covering the entire territory of Switzerland. Using the portal, you can access geoservices, information and data from the various federal departments directly 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 documents the geospatial data of the federal offices, cantons, communes, the Principality of Liechtenstein as well as research institutes, private companies. The geometadata of geocat.ch are being used by other portals, such as the geoportal map.geo.admin.ch and the swiss portal for opendata opendata.swiss.
Geodetic points (FPDS)	As part of the "Control point data service" (FPDS), swisstopo manages the control points data in a production database and is making this accessible online to third parties.
Gravity Field Consortium	In the field of gravity measurement, swisstopo offers a variety of services in cooperation with the Chair of Mathematical and Physical Geodesy, Section of the Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, including gravity and vertical height deviations, as well as a broad range of calculation and modelling services. It also provides the official geoid model of Switzerland (CHGeo2004), which is required in all precision GNSS receivers for determining heights, as well as software for calculating vertical height deviations and levelled and orthometric heights.
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 unique cultural treasure comprising all first editions and revised versions of the official Dufour Map, the Siegfried Map and the series of national maps. The collection also contains a variety of documents, including handwritten items. All editions of the maps produced in analogue form can now be obtained in digital form or conveniently viewed chronologically in swisstopo’s map viewer.
History and collections	The Federal Office of Topography swisstopo has a rich and successful history. Since its founding in 1838, it has not only helped to shape Switzerland's development, but has also documented it with maps and photographs. In this section, you will find further information about the history of swisstopo and get insights into its historical collections.
History of swisstopo	The Federal Office of Topography swisstopo was founded in 1838 by Guillaume-Henri Dufour in Carouge (Geneva) and was originally called “Bureau topographique fédéral”. It began publishing the first official set of national maps in 1845. Today, swisstopo is integrated into the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), and performs tasks for both the military and the private sectors. It is the country’s competence centre for official geodata.
Historical images	swisstopo’s 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 Federal Office. The images of the landscapes from the 1920s through to the present day are used for a wide range of purposes. Over the next few years, a special plan is to be implemented to ensure that the valuable originals are carefully preserved and easily accessible.

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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	KML generation allows you to convert a file containing Swiss coordinates or a route recorded with a hand held GPS receiver into a KML file (compatible with Google Earth/Maps).

Themes	Description
Laser scanning	Laser scanning refers to the linear or grid-based scanning of surfaces or objects with a laser beam in order to measure them, process them or produce an image.
Levelling	Levelling is the classical and still valid method of determining heights.
LV95	In the period from 1988 to 1995 the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo developed a national surveying system that is largely based on satellite measurement. LV95 replaces the 100-year-old national survey (LV03), based on triangulation. The fundamental point for LV95 is the geostation in Zimmerwald, near Bern.
LiDAR Data	Airborne laser scanning is one of the most effective methods for measuring territory in 3D. It provides valuable, high-quality data in terms of both detail and accuracy. As the basis for digital terrain models, these data also contribute to other products and are used by many applications. In 2017, swisstopo will be launching a new LiDAR data acquisition campaign.
Legal bases and jurisdiction	International treaties, and above all the 1815 Treaty of Vienna, form the legal bases for the specification of the national border. Treaties and agreements with neighbouring countries that concern Switzerland’s sovereign territory are archived in the official compendium of federal legislation. swisstopo is the authority responsible for the national border.
Long-term availability of geodata	Thanks to long-term availability, swisstopo is able to retain early geodata and provide current data at a high level of quality, as well as to offer professional advisory services where required.
Long-term conservation	swisstopo is required to guarantee the availability of its official geodata by the Federal Geoinformation Act. Conservation ensures that the geodata remain usable over the long term. Availability is assured through long-term conservation and archiving.
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	Map production is complex. The input of landscape objects based on aerial images into enormous databases, through to cartographic processing are only a part
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	The following special materials for marking can be obtained from swisstopo (subject to availability; prices upon request).

Themes	Description
National border	Switzerland’s national border is formed by the external boundary of its sovereign territory. It is specified, surveyed and maintained in close cooperation with the five neighbouring countries.
Newsletter	Our newsletter is only available in German, French and Italian. We currently do not offer a newsletter in English. However, you can subscribe to the newsletter in another language.
Notification of an amendment	Have you noticed any changes in the area that still need to be reflected in our products? Or have you discovered an error in a map or a set of geodata? If so, please let us know.

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	This directory lists all streets, paths, alleys, squares and named districts that are used as street names for addresses.
Official geographic directories	The official directories of localities, streets and building addresses in Switzerland are public and are available for use by everyone, free of charge. They are compiled, managed and published by the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo.

Themes	Description
Photogrammetry	With photogrammetry, survey images and photographs are used for determining the spatial location or three-dimensional form of an object.
PLR Cadastre	The Cadastre of public-law restrictions on landownership (PLR Cadastre) is a reliable, official system providing information about the most important public law restrictions on landownership.
Publications see Documents	Annual reports, magazines, flyers, brochures and printed newsletters of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo.
Panoramas	Should you need to print a digital panorama with a realistic perspective on paper or on a metallic support, the DIGIRAMA (DIGItal panoRAMA) range of products is ideal for you. Depending on customers’ needs, various representations involving different levels of automation are possible. The range of specifications for these custom products allows for everything from a simple and cost effective solution for quick panoramic overviews to high quality solutions for panoramic plaques.

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Themes	Description
Reference system as basis for coordinates	The reference system forms the theoretical basis for calculating coordinates. For this purpose the measurement units, zero point and position of the coordinates system have to be defined. In the reference system the type of map projection is also specified that is to be used for depicting the spherical earth on a map. There are global, European and Swiss reference systems.
Reference frame: making the reference system comprehensible	With the aid of the reference frame the coordinates reference system can be connected to the real world. The reference frame encompasses hundreds of points that are marked on the ground, measured and updated within the framework of the national survey. The coordinates of these points are published on www.map.geo.admin.ch, and are thus placed at the disposal of all interested users.
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	REFRAME allows you to transform coordinates in planimetry and/or altimetry.

Themes	Description
Swiss reference systems	With national survey LV95 a global (CHTRS95) and a local (CH1903+) system were defined in Switzerland which have functioned as the official Swiss reference system since 2017. The latter replaces the old local reference system (CH1903), which formed the basis for surveying in Switzerland for more than a hundred years.
Sovereign borders	The term «sovereign borders» refers to the national borders as well as cantonal and municipal boundaries.
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 also places the specialised knowledge based on its many years of experience in the national survey at the disposal of third parties. Its services range from conception to realisation, and from the solution of specific problems through to comprehensive geodetic calculations.
Satellite images	Through the National Point of Contact for Satellite Images (NPOC), customers can purchase high-quality satellite images from around the world. On customer’s demand, the NPOC obtains new images or provides suitable products from existing archives. During the entire processing of the order, specialists are at the disposal of the customer to give advice.

Themes	Description
Trigonometric point determination	With trigonometric point determination the survey points are determined from the ground and calculated in accordance with the rules of trigonometry. These triangulation points – familiar metal pyramids at lookout points that serve as witnesses to the earliest national survey – are the result of this method.
The digital border	Today, the administration and documentation of the national border are carried out in a geographic information system (GIS). For this purpose, the coordinates of the course of the border and the position of the border points have to be recorded and made available in digital form.
Topographic Landscape Model	The topographic landscape model is the central instrument for the production of national geodata. It contains objects that shape the landscape, e.g. buildings, roads and bodies of water. These data are recorded, processed, managed and kept up to date by swisstopo, with a high degree of accuracy and in three-dimensional form, and are subsequently placed at the disposal of the various users. The topographic landscape model forms the basis not only for the production of the national maps, but also for a broad range of spatially-related applications.
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 Transportation Network Switzerland optimises and expands the transport data infrastructure of the public sector, provides reliable basic data, and makes the data on transport infrastructure and mobility combinable and broadly usable. The implementation of the project was commissioned to the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo by the Federal Council in February 2022.

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Virtual Reality	Initially a hype for enthusiasts, Virtual Reality (VR) becomes an experience for everyone. By means of eight selected scenes from Switzerland, the swisstopo VR App shows the potential of the swisstopo 3D geospatial data for Virtual Reality applications.
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.

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Zimmerwald geostation	The Zimmerwald geostation is the fundamental point and most important reference point for the Swiss geological survey. It secures the connection to the global networks.

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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	Fly over the Alps, take a leisurely stroll down the Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich or check out the steep passages for your next hike. Thanks to the 3D mode in the Swiss federal map viewer, you can explore a free, online, three-dimensional, digital model of Switzerland. It contains every building and numerous other objects too.
3D flights	With 3D flights, three-dimensional data can be viewed dynamically, by superimposing topographic models with satellite or aerial images, vector data or other geo-referenced data. The visualisation takes place along a flight line. Each 3D flight is produced individually according to customer requirements and can therefore meet a broad variety of criteria. 3D flights are an ideal way of presenting spatial projects in a dynamic, appealing and easy-to-understand way. Their use is suited for depicting infrastructure, ecological and other projects.
3D: customised visualisations and geodata	In addition to the official products, swisstopo offers the creation of individualised 3D visualisations and geodata as a service. Customer-specific results that are suitable for a defined area of interest can be created on request from various source data.