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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.

Geological map and 3D model of the Sardona Tectonic Arena (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

 

Geological fundamentals are playing an increasingly important role with respect to the sustainable use, planning and shaping of our living space. In addition to the availability of analogue information in the form of maps, there is increasing demand today for digital data and three-dimensional (3D) models.

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 the GIPS information system 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). With the GeoCover project, a new vector dataset is being compiled that will depict the entire country’s geology 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.

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...

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...

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...


Federal Office of Topography swisstopo Seftigenstrasse 264
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
Tel.
+41 58 469 01 11

E-mail


Relevant authority

Swiss Geological Survey
Tel. +41 58 469 05 68
E-mail

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

Seftigenstrasse 264
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern

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