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.

Hundreds of survey control points are distributed throughout the entire country. Their position and/or height have been measured and specified in the form of coordinates. These control points link the reference system, coordinates system and map projection with the terrain. Together, the control points form the reference frame for all surveys carried out in Switzerland. The production of maps and plans is based on these georeferenced points. Examples include the data for the cadastral survey, spatial planning and civil engineering, as well as for geoinformation systems, navigation systems in road vehicles, aircraft and ships, on smartphones and in wearables.
The reference frame forms an integral part of a country’s infrastructure. It is used as the basis for numerous other services provided by both the public and the private sector.
swisstopo manages the official reference frame, comprising both the geodetic (LV95) and the height (LN02) reference frame, and makes it accessible to everyone via www.map.geo.admin.ch.
In the course of the 1995 national survey the geodetic reference frame was defined with coordinates with a degree of accuracy within the centimetre range. The reference frame encompasses 31 permanently operated satellite receiving stations and 200 survey control points. The official height reference frame (LN02 for the 1902 national levelling network) encompasses several thousand points.
In addition there is the scientific reference frame (CHTRS95 for positioning and LHN95 for height).
Videos
- Video tutorial: «Das globale Koordinatensystem» (The global coordinates system), in German
- Video tutorial: «Das globale Koordinatensystem» (The global coordinates system), in French
- Video tutorial: «Das Schweizer Koordinatensystem» (The Swiss coordinates system), in German
- Video tutorial:«Das Schweizer Koordinatensystem» (The Swiss coordinates system), in French
- Video tutorial: «Einführung in Höhensysteme» (Introduction to height systems), in German
- Video tutorial: «Einführung in Höhensysteme» (Introduction to height systems), in French
Links
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
- Tel.
- +41 58 469 01 11
Relevant authority
Geodesy and Federal Directorate of Cadastral Surveying