The new web application swisstopohistoric.ch is dedicated to the rich and eventful history of Swiss cartography. Currently, it is focused entirely on the 175th anniversary of the Dufour Map: We followed in the footsteps of the people who created Switzerland’s first official map and have marked important locations on an interactive Dufour Map with stories about the map’s creation and impact.

How was surveying carried out in the high mountains? How were elevation contours determined in a landlocked country? Why was there a debate over the direction of the light depicted on the map? What role did field assistants play in the survey work? You’ll find information on these and many other aspects of the Dufour Map in the web application.

In addition to the interactive Dufour Map, you’ll find plenty of other content on swisstopohistoric.ch that explores the history of Swiss cartography. You can stay up to date on current events from swisstopo historic, listen to podcasts, or explore our blog “Space and Time.”

Click here to access the new web application