Published on 2 July 2025

Rethinking the Base Map – Together

What we learned from the 2024 survey, and how we are acting on it.

Last summer, we conducted a large-scale survey on the swisstopo app and the new Base Map. Almost 5,000 users took part and shared their experiences with us – a big thank you to everyone!

Your feedback made one thing clear: the app is much more than just a digital compass – for many users, it is a reliable companion for outdoor activities throughout Switzerland. Whether they are hiking, cycling, mountain biking or enjoying winter sports, people of all ages use the swisstopo app in a wide variety of situations.

A particularly pleasing result was that 90% of respondents trust swisstopo's map products. Our maps are rated as accurate, up to date and visually outstanding, and this motivates us to further develop our maps and the app for all ages and experience levels.

Popular Maps – Familiarity Meets Innovation

The national map and aerial photo map remain the most popular – primarily due to their excellent legibility. However, a change is emerging: younger users are increasingly turning to the Base Map thanks to its modern and interactive features.
While older users tend to prefer simple operation and clear content, younger generations want detailed maps and more interactive features – with reliable performance, of course.

What Do Users Think of the Base Map? – A Mixed Picture

Overall, the Base Map received very positive feedback. Users particularly appreciate:
 - user-friendliness
 - clean, modern design
 - rich information content
At the same time, there were some critical comments: the main complaints were about performance on older devices, long loading times and pale colours, which make it difficult to read in bright sunlight.

Wishes for the Future - Customised Maps

A key finding is that there is demand for thematic versions of the Base Map. Maps designed specifically for hiking and cycling are particularly popular.
Many users also value the option to customise maps using filters, layers, or by selectively showing or hiding information.

Points of Interest – Focused, Not Overloaded

Many users prefer a selection of Points of Interests on specific topics, such as outdoor activities. Reliability, up-to-date information and accurate location are key factors here. However, many users reject excessive expansion of POI topics or commercial overload.

Cross-Border Maps – But with Limitations

More than half of respondents would like map coverage of nearby neighbouring regions. However, there is little demand for maps covering Europe or the entire world.

Not Just Listening – Taking Action: What We’ve Learned and Done

The survey wasn’t just an exercise – it was the starting point for concrete changes.

We didn’t just collect feedback – we carefully analyzed it and translated it into clear measures.
Many of the points and suggestions have already been implemented.

We’ve also been working on improving stability and performance in recent months.
Try the Base Map in the app for yourself – does it run more smoothly now?

Further information about the swisstopo app

Stay in Touch with Us

Not all issues could be addressed immediately – but many are already part of ongoing or upcoming developments. We will stay tuned.
And we will stay in contact with you. Please feel free to write to us with any questions, suggestions or criticism – because the best map is created in dialogue with those who use it every day.

Contact: [e-mail]