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.

Diversity of the landscape memory
The sets of topographic maps, which have been documenting the changes in the landscape since the 1840s, make a significant contribution towards the landscape memory, as do many other geodata, for example in the form of time series of maps, aerial images and height models. The evolution of the Swiss landscape is being documented both on and beneath the surface.
Forecasting future developments
Based on the documentation of past developments, for example housing development including aspects such as urbanisation and urban sprawl, it is possible to draw conclusions regarding the future development of our living space. In these forecasts it is possible to depict how a given region could look in the future. In this way, future developments can be anticipated in advance so that adaptation measures can be planned at an early stage.
Changes in the natural environment
In addition to helping us predict future housing development, the landscape memory also enables us to trace natural changes, for example glacier retreat, the spread of forests or changes in river courses.
Documents
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Commemorative publication - 175 years swisstopo 2013
PDF, 52 page(s), 4 MB, English
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
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