Geodetic reference systems are used for defining the applicable coordinate axes, their spatial location and the applicable reference. They also define the map projection to be used. In Switzerland, various global and national reference systems are in use.

Global terrestrial reference systems are geocentric Cartesian coordinate systems with their origin in the earth's centre of gravity M. A «Conventional Terrestrial System» (CTS) has its point of origin at M, with its Z axis passing through the north pole (Conventional International Origin: CIO), its XZ plane passing through the mean zero point in Greenwich, and its Y axis completing the definition of a right-handed coordinate system.

Local reference systems are national coordinate and height systems which are used for official national and cadastral surveying. They include the local reference ellipsoids and map projections with their specific national coordinate systems.