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Swiss reference systems

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

Themes	Description
Augmented and Virtual Reality	swisstopo geodata provides a useful basis for 3D visualisations in the fields of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
Archiving of geodata	swisstopo and the Swiss Federal Archives developed a solution for the indefinite archiving of geodata in the form of the Ellipse project. The Ellipse project was completed at the end of 2016.
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 over 175 years of Swiss cartographical history.

Themes	Description
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 topographical map of Switzerland 1:100,000 (Dufour map) was the first official mapping work covering all of the Swiss territory. Its first edition was published between 1845 and 1865.
Background information on the Siegfried Map	The original photographs, which had already formed the basis for the production of the Dufour Map, were published in the form of the Topographic Atlas of Switzerland 1:25,000/1:50,000 (Siegfried Map). The first edition of the Siegfried Map was published between 1870 and 1926.

Themes	Description
Coordinates	How are coordinates calculated? The calculation of coordinates requires a coordinates system and a map projection method. Then control points have to be marked on the ground.
Cantonal and municipal boundaries	In Switzerland, the cantons are responsible for cantonal and municipal boundaries, which are recorded in the cadastral survey.
Cadastral system	The Swiss cadastral system comprises three pillars: the cadastral survey, the Cadastre of Public Law Restrictions on Landownership (PLR Cadastre) and the land register.
Cadastral Surveying	The cadastral survey safeguards landownership and forms the basis for geodata and standardised geographic information systems.
Colloquia - presentations	swisstopo colloquia primarily serve the internal further training of our specialists at all levels. Presentations from past colloquia are archived here.

Themes	Description
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 information and presentations of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo.
Director	Fridolin Wicki is head of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo
Directory of towns and cities	The official directory of towns and cities lists all Swiss localities in a database by name, postcode and perimeter.
Directory of building addresses	The official directory of building addresses lists all official addresses in Switzerland in a single uniform register.
Direct supervision	Seven cantons plus Liechtenstein have assigned the operational management of the cadastral survey to the Federal Directorate of Cadastral Surveying.

Themes	Description
European reference systems	The European reference system, ETRS89, permits more accurate connection to local reference systems of the national survey.
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.

Themes	Description
Fundamental point	Zimmerwald geostation is the fundamental point of the national survey and thus forms the point of origin for Switzerland’s coordinates system.
Free basic geodata (OGD)	swisstopo provides its official data and products online, free of charge and for open access use. This step is being taken within the framework of the Open Government Data (OGD) Strategy.
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.

Themes	Description
Gravimetry	Gravimetry is a method that is applied for measuring the earth’s gravity field, which has to be taken into account when carrying out geodetic measurements.
Global navigation satellite systems	GNSS is a collective term that refers to the use of global navigation satellite systems. Here are a few examples.
Geographic names	Geographical names shape our everyday lives. But what are geographical names in the first place and what are the special features of multilingual Switzerland?
Geodata infrastructure	Geodata infrastructures are used to optimally network and make available geographic, or spatial, information. The aim is to make this so-called geoinformation accessible to a wide range of users simply, cheaply and in high quality.
geo.admin.ch	The federal geoportal geo.admin.ch provides digital access to maps, aerial photographs and geographic information from the federal administration covering the entire territory of Switzerland. You can thus access geoservices, information and data from the various federal departments easily and free of charge.
Geoinformation and geodata	Geodata is digital information that can be assigned a specific spatial location on the earth's surface.
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.
geoBIM strategy of swisstopo	Aim of the geoBIM strategy of swisstopo is to develop national standards for coordinated high-quality data that can be widely used.
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 and establish valuable contacts.
geocat.ch	geocat.ch is the Swiss Catalogue for geometadata. Geometadata describe geospatial data and enable its search, evaluation and management.
Geodetic points (FPDS)	In its “control point data service”, swisstopo provides control point data online. Here you can access the control point data service data viewer.
Gravity Field Consortium	In cooperation with the Mathematical and Physical Geodesy Group at the Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, swisstopo offers a new geoid model and software for calculating gravimetric data.
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.

Themes	Description
Historical maps	The swisstopo map collection is a cultural treasure comprising all first editions and revised versions of the official maps: Dufour, Siegfried and National.
History and collections	Here you can learn more about the historical collections and the history of swisstopo.
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 preserves the image collection using conservation measures and ensures that this Swiss cultural asset remains accessible. The 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 Office.

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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	With swisstopo’s KML generation geoservice you can convert a file with Swiss national coordinates or GPS data into a KML file.

Themes	Description
Laser scanning	With terrestrial and aerial laser scanning, millions of points are produced in order to survey a given surface.
Levelling	Levelling is the classical and simplest method of determining heights. Find out more here.
LV95	LV95 is the local reference frame of the Swiss national survey. It is based on the CHTRS95 and CH1903+ reference systems.
LiDAR Data	Lidar data are 3D data acquired by laser scanning from an airplane. High-precision digital elevation models of the landscape can be derived from the point clouds.
Legal bases and jurisdiction	Swisstopo is the federal authority responsible for the national border. International treaties and agreements with neighbouring countries form the basis for this task.
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 obliged by the geoinformation legislation to guarantee the availability of its official geodata. Long-term conservation ensures that the geodata remains usable over time.
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.

Themes	Description
Mineral raw materials	Mineral raw materials such as gravel, sand, limestone and clay are widely used in the construction industry and are largely mined in Switzerland. However, Switzerland also imports many raw materials, especially energy raw materials and metals, including the special metals and rare earths that are important for the energy transition.
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	The steps involved in map production are surveying, aerial photography, evaluation, recording of landscape objects in the database and digital cartography.
Map viewer map.geo.admin.ch	Discover swisstopo maps and geodata on your screen. Measure distances and areas, compare current and historical aerial photographs or add a drawing.
Material sales	Here you will find special field and boundary marking materials used by swisstopo. You can order special materials, markers. bolts, etc, by phone or e-mail.

Themes	Description
National border	The external boundary of Switzerland's sovereign territory is designated as its national border, which is specified in cooperation with its neighbouring countries.
Newsletter	Stay up to date and receive regular information on new products, upcoming events and geodata updates as well as other news from the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo.
Notification of an amendment	Inform swisstopo about any changes to the terrain or errors in the geodata and maps. This can be easily carried out from your PC at home or from your smartphone on the go via the swisstopo app.
News about geodata	In this section you will find information about updates and news concerning swisstopo's geodata.

Themes	Description
Open Government Data OGD	swisstopo provides its official data and products online, free of charge and for open access use. This step is being taken within the framework of the Open Government Data (OGD) Strategy.
Official street directory	The official street directory lists all streets in Switzerland, including their names, that are used for the registration of addresses.
Official geographic directories	Here you will find the official directories of towns and cities, streets and building addresses in Switzerland. The data are public and available free of charge.

Themes	Description
Photogrammetry	Photogrammetry is a method for obtaining images of a specific terrain by photographing it from above with a digital surveying camera.
PLR Cadastre	In Switzerland, official restrictions on landownership are organised in the information system of the PLR Cadastre.
Publications see Documents	Annual reports, magazines, flyers, brochures and printed newsletters of the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo.
Panoramas	On request, swisstopo creates individual panoramic views with different display options and a freely selectable viewing location. DIGIRAMAs are often used to create panoramic panels.

Themes	Description

Themes	Description
Reference system as basis for coordinates	Coordinates are specified on the basis of a reference system which defines the measurement units, point of origin and position of the coordinates system.
Reference frame: making the reference system comprehensible	Hundreds of surveying control points are specified as coordinates, which form the reference frame for all surveys carried out in Switzerland.
Resources	Mineral raw materials such as gravel, sand, limestone and clay are widely used in the construction industry and are largely mined in Switzerland. However, Switzerland also imports many raw materials, especially energy raw materials and metals, including the special metals and rare earths that are important for the energy transition.
Revocation of contract	Information on the right of revocation for purchase contracts with swisstopo.
REFRAME	With REFRAME you can convert coordinates to position and/or height. Here you can use the REFRAME service online.

Themes	Description
Swiss reference systems	Switzerland has both a global (CHTRS95) and a local (CH1903+) reference system. These were defined together with the 1995 national survey (LV95).
Sovereign borders	Swiss sovereign borders and boundaries are classified in three different categories: national borders, cantonal boundaries and municipal boundaries. Find out more here.
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!
Surveying	swisstopo’s services in fields such as geo-surveying and geodetic measurement are publicly available. Here you will find an overview.
Satellite images	swisstopo procures satellite images from all over the world for Swiss customers. Here you will find the most important information.

Themes	Description
Trigonometric point determination	In the national survey using trigonometry, survey points are determined from the ground and calculated in accordance with the rules of trigonometry.
The digital border	Today, geographic information systems are used for managing and documenting the national border. Find out more about the digitalisation of the national border.
Topographic Landscape Model	The Topographic Landscape Model (TLM) represents the topographic objects of Switzerland - digitally and in 3D format. It forms the basis for the production of the national maps and for numerous other geodata products.
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 offers around 30 apprenticeships, a traineeship for sports students and 10 to 15 places for university internships. In addition, the Federal Office of Topography regularly promotes master's theses with swisstopo-relevant questions as part of the swisstopoEDU programme.
Transportation network CH	The Swiss Transport Network optimises and expands on public sector transport infrastructure data, provides reliable basic data and makes transport infrastructure and mobility data combinable and generally usable.

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Themes	Description
Virtual Reality	With the swisstopo VR app, anyone interested can virtually visit eight sites in Switzerland. The 3D visualisations in the app were prepared using geodata from swisstopo.
View swisstopo maps and geodata online	Get more out of swisstopo's geodata. Draw routes, measure distances and compare national maps and aerial photographs. Practical tools help you to view, evaluate or discover the wide range of data. On the road, on your smartphone or at home on your PC.

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Zimmerwald geostation	Zimmerwald geostation contains precise station coordinates, and functions as the fundamental station and most important reference point for the national survey.

Themes	Description
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	Various printing processes enable the creation of spatial physical models using 3D printers. With that, we can transform digital geodata into an analogue 3D model.
3D-Viewer	Experience a digital 3D model of Switzerland in the federal map viewer map.geo.admin.ch.
3D flights	swisstopo creates animated 3D visualisations from geodata at the request of clients. In this way, for example, changes in glaciers or the routes of sporting events can be presented in an attractive and dynamic way.
3D: customised visualisations and geodata	Let swisstopo create customised 3D visualisations and 3D geodata for you.

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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.

CH1903+: Official Swiss reference system

Geostation Zimmerwald 1 — Geostation Zimmerwald

The reference system for the Swiss national survey was defined in 1995 on the basis of satellite measurements at more than 200 LV95 reference points. CH1903+ uses the same ellipsoid (Bessel 1841) as CH1903. The fundamental point of reference system CH1903+ is Zimmerwald geostation. The positioning of the system is derived directly from CHTRS95 by translation (3 shifts). The map projection (Swiss Grid) is identical to CH1903. The fundamental point (Zimmerwald geostation) also serves as the point of origin for the height. Its orthometric height was defined as H0 = 897.9063 metres, so that for the “Repère Pierre du Niton” in Geneva the value of 373.6 metres is obtained.

CH1903: Reference system of the old national survey 1903

The old reference system (CH1903) was defined and introduced in 1903 based on reference ellipsoid Bessel 1841 fixed in position and orientation to the old fundamental point (old observatory in Bern) and the Swiss oblique conformal cylinder projection (Swiss Grid). CH1903 also defines the old official height system for which the “Repère Pierre du Niton” in the port of Geneva serves as the point of origin with a height of 373.6 metres.

CHTRS95: Swiss Terrestrial Reference System 1995

The global reference system for the Swiss national survey LV95 is identical to the European reference system ETRS89 as of 1 January 1993. Like its European counterpart, CHTRS95 uses reference ellipsoid GRS80 and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) as projection.