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Historical maps

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.
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 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.
Background information on the 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.

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.
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	Here you can learn more about the historical collections and the history of swisstopo.
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 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	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 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.
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.
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.

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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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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.

Extract from the topographic Map of Switzerland from 1856.

Most comprehensive collection of Swiss historical geodata

With the official maps produced from 1840 onwards, together with their largely hand-drawn documentation, swisstopo’s map collection contains Switzerland’s oldest geographic reference data. The approximately 36,000 printed maps and 25,000 manuscript maps (hand-drawn originals) form the most comprehensive collection of historical geodata in Switzerland. The swisstopo map collection has been listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property as a collection of national importance since 2021.

Cultural treasure and landscape memory

Although it was originally conceived as a pure archive of outdated maps, since 1838 swisstopo’s collection has evolved into a cultural treasure of national importance. Taken together, the items in the collection represent a comprehensive record of the development of Switzerland’s landscapes.

Visualisation of Switzerland's landscape and residential development

With the aid of the sets of historical maps it is possible to trace the evolution of Switzerland’s landscape and the history of its residential development right back to the era before the founding of the Swiss Confederation. swisstopo introduced a visualisation service in 2013 that enables users to embark on a fascinating and informative journey through history. With the aid of the sets of historical maps it is possible to trace the evolution of Switzerland’s landscape and the history of its residential development right back to the era before the founding of the Swiss Confederation. A journey through time is available in the federal geoportal that can be used for viewing maps dating from any desired era.

View a journey through time

swisstopo as authority responsible for the collection of national maps

swisstopo is required by law to permanently place this national treasure at the disposal of the public for a broad variety of uses, and it fulfils this requirement in the following ways:

Compilation
swisstopo places the collection of national maps at the disposal of the public by posting them on the various portals. Users can search for any desired historical map sheets via the online catalogue of federal administration libraries Alexandria, by visiting the Kartenportal.ch website or by clicking on the historical maps (journey through time
link see above).

Digitisation
swisstopo has produced high-resolution scans of the original historical analogue maps, and these digital products can now be ordered from swisstopo. The Dufour Map, Siegfried Map and sets of national maps are also available online via map.geo.admin.ch, where they can be compared with the present-day maps with the aid of a variety of tools.

Protection and preservation measures
swisstopo’s map collection is protected in specially enclosed and air-conditioned premises which are not open to the public. The maps are kept in special flat, acid-free receptacles. swisstopo personnel repair and restore any damaged items wherever necessary.