Swiss map projections
Since its introduction in 1903, the Swiss national Survey has used the uniform map projection “Swiss Grid”. There are currently no plans to switch to UTM projection, as cited within the framework of CHTRS95 and now in use in many countries.
Map projection «Swiss Grid»
An oblique, conformal cylinder projection (Mercator projection). The projection and the mathematical model developed by M. Rosenmund in 1903 are used for the Swiss reference system CH1903. Its definition is only valid together with the Bessel ellipsoid 1841. The fundamental point is the old observatory in Bern.

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
In order to display large areas of the earth's surface on a map, special projections are used which divide the planet into strips (zones). The distortions within the zones remain at an acceptable level. One of the most frequently used projections is UTM, which divides the earth into 60 zones, reaching from the north pole to the south pole, with a width of 6 degrees latitude. The projection within a zone corresponds to a conformal cylinder projection with the axis of the cylinder in the equatorial plane. Switzerland is covered almost entirely by UTM zone 32 with the mean meridian at L = 9° E. Actually, the most westerly part of the Canton of Geneva lies in UTM zone 31 with a mean meridian of 3° E. However, the use of these values for Switzerland is not recommended.

Links
Documents & Publications
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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