Transformations (3D / position)
For handling spatial data, it is important to have an easy and accurate transition between the various reference systems and frames. swisstopo offers suitable transformation methods for all applications, either through online services over the Internet or commercially available geodetic software.
Coordinate transformation ETRFyyyy <-> CHTRFyyyy
The reference systems ETRS89 and CHTRS95 are identical for the epoch t0 = 1993.0. The two reference frames may therefore be regarded as identical for applications requiring reduced accuracy (ETRFyyyy ~ CHTRFyyyy). For applications requiring higher accuracy, a transformation in time is necessary. For this purpose, the kinematic model CHKM95 is applied, which takes into account the temporal changes of the coordinates and heights due to the tectonic movements in the Alpine region.
Coordinate transformation CHTRFyyyy <-> LV95
The three-dimensional Cartesian reference systems CHTRS95 and CH1903+ can be transformed exactly from one to the other with a simple translation (3 shifts). This method may also be applied without reservations to coordinates from the reference frames CHTRFyyyy and LV95. Only the different ellipsoid dimensions and the map projections must still be taken into consideration

Coordinates transformation LV95 <-> LV03
An exact transformation is not possible because of the large distortions (up to 1.6 metres). The distortion may be approximated with an affine transformation using finite elements. An approximation to LV03 with a degree of accuracy within a few centimetres in the Central Plateau and below 1 decimetre in the Alps can be calculated with the REFRAME programme and using the CHENYX06 dataset from the triangular transformation network.
A NTV2 grid data set for transforming to ETRS or to LV95 is distributed unter «GIS Tools and Applications (FME)» (NTv2 grid CH1903/LV03 -> CH1903+/LV95 or NTv2 grid ETRF93/ETRS89 -> CH1903/MN03) or under open data licence Creative Commons CC0.


Links
- Reference systems
- Map projection
- Calculation services
- EUREF (Referenz Frame Sub Commission for Europe)
- EPN (EUREF Permanent Network)
- ITRF (International Terrestrial Reference System)
- ETRS89 (European Terrestrial Reference System 89)
- IERS (International Earth Rotation Service)
- TRANSINT FME Plug-in
- NTv2 grid CH1903/LV03 -> CH1903+/LV95
- NTv2 grid ETRF93/ETRS89 -> CH1903/MN03
Documents & Publications
-
Approximate formulas for the transformation between Swiss projection coordinates and-WGS84
PDF, 4 page(s), 72 KB, English -
Formulas and constants for the calculation of the Swiss conformal cylindrical projection and for the transformation between coordinate systems
PDF, 20 page(s), 428 KB, English -
Bericht Neues «Schweizer Höhensystem» – Studie Modernisierung des Schweizer Höhenbezugssystems und -rahmens, Teil I
PDF, 95 page(s), 42 MB, German -
Rapport Nouveau système altimétrique Suisse – Étude sur la modernisation du système et du cadre de référence altimétrique en Suisse, partie I
PDF, 94 page(s), 41 MB, French
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
- Tel.
- +41 58 469 01 11
Relevant authority
Geodesy and Federal Directorate of Cadastral Surveying