Published on 8 January 2024

swissNAMES3D

With over 437000 geo-referenced entries, swissNAMES3D is the most comprehensive collection of Swiss geographic names. The free dataset is based on a simple data model and provides the ideal basis for a broad range of applications.

The most comprehensive collection of Swiss geographic names

Updating

The three-year updating cycle of swissNAMES^3D is closely linked to that of the topographic landscape model. One edition of this dataset is published each year.

Applications

In combination with other geodata products, swissNAMES^3D is a particularly useful labelling dataset which provides the ideal basis for developing name databases and search engines.

Application examples:

• Adding geographic names to various geodata sets
• Flexible and clear presentation of names on aerial photographs, maps and plans
• Labelling to aid comprehension of 3D visualisations (e.g. panoramic views)
• Developing databases of names for online solutions and search engines
• Creating directories of geographic names

Terms of use

Additional information

• Technical details

  Structure

  The swissNAMES^3D vector data set is a compilation of names from the topographic landscape model (TLM). The names belong to TLM landscape features and are linked to their 3D geometries, which means that they are also georeferenced. The basic data model comprises three thematic layers, which differ according to their geometry type (point, line, polygon). Thanks to additional attributes, the names can be categorised within a layer according to TLM feature classes. 
  
  
  Lines:
  
  • Names of transport infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, cable cars, etc.)
  • Names of sports facilities
  • Names of watercourses
  
  
  Points:
  
  • Landform names (peaks, passes, etc.)
  • Names of single point objects
  • Local names
  • Public transport stops
  • Building names
  
  
  Polygons:
  
  • Names of populated places
  • Lake names
  • Names of geographical units and regions
  • Landform names (glaciers, valleys, etc.)
  • Names of specific use areas (transport facilities, schools, recreation facilities, etc.)

  Perimeter

  swissNAMES^3D contains geographic names from Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

  File formats

  swissNAMES^3D is available to download free of charge as a data packet in the following output formats:

  • ESRI File Geodatabase
  • ESRI Shapefile
  • CSV text file

  Coordinate systems

  The data sets are available in the following Swiss coordinate systems:

  • LV95 LN02

  Updating

  The six-year updating cycle of swissNAMES^3D is closely linked to that of the topographic landscape model. One edition of this data set is published each year.

  Quality

  swissNAMES^3D has the following distinctive high-quality features:

  • Full national coverage in homogeneous form and quality
  • Horizontal and vertical accuracy: 0.2 to 1.5m in all three dimensions for well-defined landscape features, such as roads; 1 to 3m in all three dimensions for features without clear boundaries, such as housing developments
  • Lines and polygons correspond to the areas to which names apply (e.g. housing development)
  • Basic data model
  • Promotes multilingualism 

• Documents

  Almost all publications concerning swissNAMES^3D are only available in German and French. Please select your preferred language in the navigation bar to view the desired document.

• Links

  • The Topographic Landscape Model TLM

swissNAMES3D - Download