Digital terrain models

A nationwide digital terrain model (DTM) can be created thanks to the most modern technology. It provides a highly detailed representation of the form of the natural terrain and man-made features. More detailed structures such as watercourses and forest tracks can be seen clearly. DTMs are being used for an ever-increasing number of applications including the planning and management of road and rail networks, telecommunications facilities for broadcasting and mobile telephones, water supply and distribution as well as for environmental impact studies. DTMs are also very helpful in connection with natural hazards such as floods, rock falls, subsidence and landslips.
The «height» layer for cadastral surveying is derived from the DTM. The standard format is a 2-meter grid, whereas other formats, for example contour lines, are available upon request. This «height» layer can be obtained at the cantonal surveying offices, and the digital terrain model «swissALT3D» from the national survey is available at swisstopo.