Reference frames

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

Themes	Description
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.

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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.
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.

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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, which always take place during the winter semester, primarily serve the internal further training of our specialists at all levels. Presentations from past colloquia are archived here.

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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 informations and presentations of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo.
Director	Fridolin Wicki is head of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo
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. Here, you can search for detailed informations about our events.
Engineering surveying	In the field of engineering surveying, swisstopo provides a broad variety of services, ranging from the development of fundamental GNSS networks and the operation of permanent GNSS stations, through to the analysis of deformations, gravity calculations and gyroscopic measurements. Here the focus is on demanding surveying tasks calling for the highest possible degree of accuracy and reliability.

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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.
FINELTRA data viewer	You can use the FINELTRA data viewer to assess the precision of the transformation between the LV03 and LV95 global reference frames and thereby evaluate the accuracy of positioning with swipos® in the LV03 reference frame (service LV03/LN02).
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.

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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	The term “geodata infrastructure” (GDI) refers to a system of political measures, institutional bodies, technologies, data and people for facilitating the exchange and efficient use of geographic data. The main duty of the Coordination, Geo-Information and Services division (COGIS) of swisstopo is to develop, expand and operate geodata infrastructure with the aim of ensuring the efficient use of official federal geographic data.
geo.admin.ch	Geo.admin.ch is the geographic information platform of the federal administration for the whole of Switzerland. As a user you can directly access geographic information, data and services of the federal government free of charge.
Geoinformation and geodata	Between 60 and 80 percent of all political, economic and private decisions are spatially oriented. In everyday life, almost everyone uses geoinformation regularly, often without even realising it.
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.
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, broaden their language skills and establish valuable contacts.
Guided tours	You have always been fascinated by the world of maps, and often use them for travel and leisure-time activities. But do you know how much work goes into them and are you aware of the other activities of swisstopo? Take a look behind the scenes of the Federal Office of Topography!
geocat.ch	geocat.ch is the metadata catalogue for Swiss geodata. Federal offices, cantons, communes and private enterprises record the supplementary information for their own geodata in geocat.ch. geocat.ch therefore provides the ideal starting point for your search for aerial photographs, protected sites, natural hazards, earthquakes and other, sometimes very specific, geodata.
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 it available online for third parties.
Gravity Field Consortium	In the field of gravity measurement, swisstopo offers a variety of services in cooperation with the 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.

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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.
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.

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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).

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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 Goinformation 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.

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Maps for mobile devices	New technologies and users’ changing needs have led to paper no longer being the only medium for maps. With Swiss Map Mobile, swisstopo offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for using maps on mobile devices.
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 calls for a large number of individual steps. Numerous specialists are involved in the process, which ranges from surveying and the input of landscape objects based on aerial images into enormous databases, through to cartographic processing and the subsequent publication of the map on screen or on paper.
Material sales	The following special materials for marking can be obtained from swisstopo (subject to availability; prices upon request).

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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.
New 1:50,000 Hiking Map	The up-dating of the national maps offers new possibilities for the representation of data and is an opportunity to redevelop the well-loved swisstopo hiking maps from scratch. The result is a more homogeneous and readable map, with a modern and colourful look.
New National Map for Switzerland	In order to keep pace with the requirements for their widespread use on various digital and analogue media, the set of Swiss national maps needed to be modernised. Thanks to efficient production processes it is now possible to produce maps with a higher degree of precision, as well as to update them more quickly.
Newsletter	Our Newsletter is available in German, French and Italian only. We currently don't offer any Newsletter in English. However you can subscribe to receive the Newsletter in another language.
Notification of an amendment	Have there been any changes in the area that still need to be adapted in our products? Have you found a mistake in our maps or geodata? Tell us your observations – while on the road via smartphone or conveniently from your home.

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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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Revocation of contract
REFRAME	REFRAME allows you to transform coordinates in planimetry and/or altimetry.

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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!
SwissGeoLab	SwissGeoLab is an educational laboratory that aims to give a glimpse of the world of geomatics. It is primarily intended for secondary and high school students and travels around Switzerland from one interested school to another.
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
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 is committed to training tomorrow’s professionals, both in terms of basic vocational training and during their studies. swisstopo thus offers around 30 apprenticeship positions, an internship for students at the Sports Commercial School and 10 to 15 positions for university internships. The Swiss Federal Office of Topography also regularly supports Master’s theses in fields relevant to swisstopo, within the framework of the swisstopoEDU programme.

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Virtual Reality	Initally 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	You can view our maps and additional geodata free of charge at map.swisstopo.admin.ch. The geodata sets are up to date and new functions are continuously added to the Viewer.
Vector Tiles	Vector tiles open up new opportunities for displaying swisstopo geodata online. This technology creates light and quick maps. Try our “light basic map”, now in the test phase, and give us your opinion.

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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	Vector data from the topographic landscape model are also suitable for producing models using a 3D printer. Together with an associate partner, swisstopo modelled the old town of Aarau in summer 2013 using this method.
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 visualization takes place along a flight line. Each 3D flight is produced individually according to customer requirements and can therefore meet a wide variety of requirements. 3D flights are an ideal way of presenting spatial projects in a dynamic, appealing and easy-to-understand way. Their use is suited for showing infrastructure, ecological and other projects.
3D Visualisations	3D visualisations are products derived from various basic data of swisstopo. They are produced exclusively according to customer requirements and are suitable for users who cannot find a solution to their problem with their own hard- and software, or who do not have access to the necessary topographic basic data.

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Reference frames

The realisation and utilisation of geodetic reference systems for practical surveying, for the basis of geographic information systems (GIS) and for cartography is made possible by using geodetic reference frames. These represent a realisation of the systems in the form of geodetic control networks and permanent stations, the coordinates of which are specified in the reference system.


Global reference frames
ITRFyyyy	IERS Terrestrial Reference Frame yyyy
ETRFyyyy	European Terrestrial Reference Frame yyyy
CHTRFyyyy	Swiss Terrestrial Reference Frame yyyy
EVRFyyyy	European Vertical Reference Frame
IHRFyyyy	International Height Reference Frame


Local Swiss reference frames
LV95	National control network 1995 (official reference frame)
LHN95	National vertical network 1995 (scientific height reference frame)
LV03	National surveying 1903 (old reference frame)
LN02	National precise levelling 1902 (official heigt reference frame)

Local European reference frames

In addition to European reference frame ETRF89 (GNSS network EUREF), national reference frames (triangulation / levelling) are still in use in all European countries. The local reference frames are adapted to the special requirements of a given region (e.g. Switzerland) and should therefore only be used in that region. For further information about these frames and their transformation parameters, please consult the relevant national survey institutions.


Country	Local reference frame 3D / Position	Height	Info
CH / FL	LV95 LV03	LHN95 LN02	swisstopo
D	ETRS89/UTM DHDN/GK	DHHN2016 DHHN92	BKG
F	RGF93 NTF	NGF-IGN69/78	IGN
I	ETRF2000/RDN IGM95	GE42 (2018) GE42 (1971)	IGM
A	ETRS89/UTM MGI/GK	Levelled heights (Triest)	BEV