That’s why Switzerland has (probably) the best maps app in the world

The new version of the Swisstopo app has been available for iPhone and Android users for a few days. The Federal Office of Topography, publisher of the free Swiss map app, has put a lot into the update. Here’s everything you need to know about the new features.

What are the most important innovations?

The Swisstopo app now offers an interactive map, the so-called “Base Map”, which is optimized for mobile use and displays useful information in real time.

The real-time information is displayed directly on the map via interactive map elements such as Points of Interest (PoIs) shown and are mainly intended as an aid for outdoor areas.

The current public transport departures are shown, but walkers and people with an electric car also receive additional information:

Who provides the real-time information?

According to Swisstopo, real-time information is displayed from the following partner organizations:

High quality map, smaller amount of data

The “Base Map” has been specially optimized for displaying map sections on smartphone screens, the proud developers write: Swisstopo has “renewed the typical Swiss map design and made it clearer to make it more readable.”

In addition, the “Base Map” view can be continuously zoomed (i.e. enlarged and reduced) and requires significantly less storage space than previous versions. This means that the Swisstopo app can also be used offline in remote areas with the best map quality.

New sky map

In addition to the “Basic Map”, a new sky map has also been integrated into the app. Current aerial photographs are combined with superimposed cartographic elements. This increases orientation and readability.

And how does the new maps app work?

Field testing with the iPhone app generally went smoothly. However, the app occasionally crashed during navigation and especially when calling up the panorama function, and the relevant content was sometimes loaded very slowly (from the server).

The app, funded by Swiss taxpayers, is ad-free and requires no registration. The data protection declaration guarantees that no personal data will be passed on to third parties or used for other purposes.

Important to know: The interactive map elements and functionalities of the app are limited to the perimeter of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. However, the map view shows the surrounding countries.

What’s next?

Those responsible at Swisstopo say that they want to gain initial experience with the new version. “Users’ needs are then further clarified using a survey and the ‘Base Map’ is further developed based on the feedback.”

The main focus is on expanding the range of points of interest, further integrating real-time information and its visualization.

Who technically implemented the new app?

The Swiss software company Ubique, which, among other things, co-developed the SBB mobile app.

The company writes:

In 2019, Ubique Innovation AG secured the contract for the Swisstopo app against three competitors for more than 3.6 million francs, as “Inside-IT” reported. The app, which was developed from scratch, was officially launched in 2020. In 2021, Swisstopo was crowned best app of the year and also received other international awards.

Where is the Swisstopo app?

And now you!

What do you think of the new Swisstopo app? What is your favorite map app in Switzerland?

Write to us via the comment function.

Sources