Underground space
As a result of the increasing limitations of above-ground development, subsurface space is gaining in importance. For sustainable planning of subsurface utilisation, the Swiss Geological Survey provides detailed knowledge about the nature of the subsurface.
Above-ground space is becoming scarce. For this reason, planning and construction experts are increasingly utilising subsurface space for the construction of infrastructure. This development mainly affects densely populated urban areas and heavily used connections between centres. Major linear infrastructure projects such as the Cargo sous terrain (CST) project or the second tube of the Gotthard road tunnel are evidence of the shift of traffic towards the subsurface.
In addition, the subsurface space also offers the possibility of temporary storage of gas reserves such as natural gas and hydrogen or the permanent storage of CO2 and other waste.
With relevant and easily accessible data and 3D models, swisstopo supports sustainable planning of subsurface utilisation. Geological basic data improves efficiency in the planning and development of new projects and helps to reduce potential risks.
Digitalisation is also progessing in the construction industry. This is clearly visible in the increasing use of BIM methodology (Building Information Modelling) and the creation of digital building models. To enable the integration of geology into the BIM world, swisstopo created the GEOL_BIM innovation project together with the Swiss Association of Geologists CHGEOL and the University of Applied Sciences of Northwestern Switzerland FHNW. A data model was produced and tools for integrating geological data into digital building models were developed. These developments will continue together with the users.
The Swiss Geological Survey works internationally with geological surveys of other countries and can thus help to drive developments forward. The collaboration of the Swiss Geological Survey in the Urban Geology Expert Group (UGEG), a subgroup within EuroGeoSurveys, ensures access to expertise in the areas of sustainable urban development, urban resilience, future climate security of cities, SMART Cities and safe construction.