Hundreds of survey control points are distributed throughout the entire country. Their position and/or height have been measured and specified in the form of coordinates. These control points link the reference system, coordinates system and map projection with the terrain. Together, the control points form the reference frame for all surveys carried out in Switzerland. The production of maps and plans is based on these georeferenced points. Examples include the data for the cadastral survey, spatial planning and civil engineering, as well as for geoinformation systems, navigation systems in road vehicles, aircraft and ships, on smartphones and in wearables.

The figure shows Switzerland’s geodetic reference frame (LV95) with its approximately 200 geodetic control points, which were determined with the aid of satellite-based measurement procedures.

The reference frame forms an integral part of a country’s infrastructure. It is used as the basis for numerous other services provided by both the public and the private sector.

The Federal Office of Topography swisstopo manages the official reference frame, comprising both the geodetic (LV95) and the height (LN02) reference frame, and makes it accessible to everyone via www.map.geo.admin.ch.

Further informations:

• Geodetic Reference frames
  
• Global reference frames
• Local Swiss reference frames