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.
As the unit of the federal administration responsible for earth sciences, the Swiss Geological Survey focuses on the organisation of geological studies of the country (geology, geotechnics and geophysics), procuring the necessary data for this purpose and developing geological maps and models. Its tasks also include the publication of reports, recommendations and guidelines in the field of applied geology (engineering and environmental geology).
The Swiss Geological Survey coordinates Swiss geological activities with the cantons, the private sector and universities. It operates the Mont Terri rock laboratory and participates in research aimed at characterising Opalinus Clay as the host rock for the disposal of radioactive waste.
The Geological Survey collaborates closely together with a variety of specialised associations and organisations, including the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT), the Georesources Switzerland Group, the Swiss Geophysical Commission (SGPK), the Federal Geological Commission (FGC) and various private-sector bodies (CHGEOL, GEOTHERMIE.CH, etc.)
Tasks
The tasks of the Swiss Geological Survey are as follows:
- Provision and updating of geological, geotechnical and geophysical bases for sustainable development: field studies, measurements, acquisition and processing of data, standards, recommendations and information for the general public.
- Acting as the country’s competence centre for the comprehensive provision of fundamental data of national importance in the area of geology. Coordinating the involved players and specifying the strategies for the collection and provision of basic geological data.
- Acting as national information centre and federal authority in the area of geology, and as contact point for international issues.
- Operation of a rock laboratory and support for the search for a suitable site for a deep geological repository for radioactive waste.
- Operation of the secretariat of the Federal Geological Commission.
Organisation
The Swiss Geological Survey comprises the following four processes:
- Administrative unit
- Data management and geoenergy
- National geological mapping and raw materials
- Rock laboratory and deep geological disposal
Video
Swiss precision at different scales
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
- Tel.
- +41 58 469 01 11
Relevant authority
Swiss Geological Survey
Tel. +41 58 469 05 68