When the computer took over at swisstopo
«The future begins at every moment» is the title of an online exhibition at swisstopo, which illustrates the history of digitalisation and presents statements from «contemporary witnesses» who performed pioneering work.
Surveying is a profession for smart people. Specialists constantly have to work with data and mathematical values. “Before the introduction of computers, surveyors had to do little else for months than make complex calculations,” explains Lukas Gerber, who is head of the History and Collections section at swisstopo. Back then, the calculations that were necessary for the production of every map sheet called for a great deal of painstaking brain work, because this could not yet be done on a computer. The specialists had to use various mechanical devices such as cylindrical and other slide rules, and even created a mechanical equalisation device. These unusual instruments are presented in an online exhibition prepared by swisstopo, which traces the progress of technology in the period from 1960 to 1980.
Punch cards as data storage media
This was an era during which the Federal Office of Topography entered a phase of fundamental transition: the beginning of digitalisation. swisstopo personnel delved deep into the archives in order to document the transition from the mechanical age to the digital era. “I came across some interesting material when I began my search,” says Beatrice Winter, who is responsible for coordinating the various collections. This included punch cards, which are among the oldest objects in the data processing archives, and which were used for storing data at that time. Back issues of the swisstopo staff magazine also proved to be a valuable source of information for the preparation of the exhibition. These issues contained detailed information about the use of the first electronic calculators and from these it became apparent that, as Felix Frey, who participated in the compilation of the exhibition as a history expert, notes: “Certain people clearly performed pioneering work at that time.”
Reports from contemporary witnesses
These “contemporary witnesses” feature on a separate platform in the online exhibition. In video clips, former engineers such as Dieter Schneider and Erich Gubler, who was later appointed director, describe how electronic calculators influenced surveying activities. Their reminiscences and statements permit a fascinating look back into the development of digitalisation – “Especially in view of the fact that this topic has barely been researched to date,” notes Lukas Gerber. So, the successful realisation of the online exhibition can largely be attributed to these “witnesses”.
Journey through the history of technological development
The exhibition enables viewers to go on a journey through time and at the same time have the option of interactively testing their own knowledge. The answers to the various questions deliver surprising and enlightening information. The title of the exhibition, “Die Zukunft beginnt in jedem Augenblick” (“The future begins at every moment”), was actually used in the staff magazine back in 1981, but clearly is still relevant today. It also indicates that additions to the exhibition are planned. Part two will take a close look at developments in the period from 1980 to 2000 and will be posted online in September 2023. This will be followed by a third part in 2024 which will bring the journey through history up to the present. The exhibition is also to be constantly supplemented with podcasts. The history of digitalisation contains numerous fascinating stories.
Digitalising historical treasures
swisstopo is protecting historical treasures with the aid of state-of-the-art technology. It is currently digitalising analogue maps and image collections in a highly complex process. In this way it is preserving the history and development of Switzerland’s landscapes for future generations.
Further information
Federal Office of Topography swisstopo
Seftigenstrasse 264
3084 Wabern