How Swisstopo Cartography Switzerland with unequaled precision

Even in the era of satellites. Moreover, drones, Swisstopo surveyors photograph a third of Switzerland each year. In addition, No other country is also well mapped, ensure these specialists. For example, – How swisstopo cartography switzerland unequaled

The propellers run. Consequently, The Red. Similarly, White Twin Otter of Swisstopo launches on the track of the Dübendorf military aerodrome and then takes off. Therefore, Shortly after. For example, how swisstopo cartography switzerland unequaled the säntis appeared under the left wing and the plane flies from west to east, going up and descending the Rhine valley.

On board the plane. However, Swisstopo photographer Carlo Bosco explains to the microphone of SRF: “The main thing is that we maintain a constant speed and that we were straight on the line that we defined.” The camera fixed on the belly of the plane must capture each square decimeter of soil. Meanwhile, A square decimeter. Moreover, the equivalent of two packets of cigarettes side by side, corresponds to a pixel on the air image.

>> Listen to the SRF report:

Annoying clouds – How swisstopo cartography switzerland unequaled

Carlo Bosco specifies: “Our biggest challenge is the weather. If there are too many clouds, we cannot fly. ” On his tablet, he indicates the little clouds so that they can be retouched later. If large clouds bother him, you have to adapt how swisstopo cartography switzerland unequaled the route. “This flexibility is one of the great advantages of an airplane compared to a satellite. In addition, the image quality is much better. ”

Drones also do not have a good alternative. For security reasons, they are already not allowed in certain air areas. And they are not able to transport heavy cameras. After three hours of flight, the Rhine Valley and part of the Basse-Engadine are photographed.

35 topographes

Aerial photos are then processed at Swisstopo headquarters in Wabern, near Berne. Tobias Providoli is currently working on an image how swisstopo cartography switzerland unequaled in central Switzerland: a group of houses along the Emmenbrücke. “What is indicated in green here is a new building,” explains the topographer.

On his computer, he compared the new aerial photo with the version dating from three years ago and is changing. Tobias Providoli zooms in rooftops. In a few clicks, it defines the height, width, shape and length of the building.

At Swisstopo, 35 topographers are responsible for measuring the country. Each roof, each path, each glacial language, each tree, each parking lot. “No other country in the world is as well mapped as Switzerland,” how swisstopo cartography switzerland unequaled says the topographer. Carlo Bosco’s air images. Tobias Providoli’s measures, as well as radar data and satellite images, everything is integrated into the topographic model of the landscape. The country can be represented under more than 900 variants.

Swisstopo shows what Google does not show

Urban planners use the model to simulate the shadows of houses. The owners can know if their roof is suitable for the installation of solar panels. Additionally, The model documents areas with high road traffic. the speed at which glaciers retreat in the Alps or how the limit of the trees moves.

And it is also used by firefighters: “If I arrive with a fire vehicle. I should know if I can turn on a street or if it is too narrow. Our model allows, unlike Google or Apple cards, ”explains the topographer.

The topographic model of the landscape is complex and expensive. At the same time. it constitutes an important basis of planning for politics and the economy, but also for individuals, from mountain hike to town planning through the prevention of natural disasters.