Atlas of Switzerland 3

The third version of the digital Atlas of Switzerland (AoS 3) on DVD was introduced in 2010. It is best characterized as a high-level enhancement of the previous version. For AoS 3, the thematic topics from AoS 2 were updated. Furthermore, data for three new topics, Energy, Traffic, and Communication were added. All in all, AoS 3 consists of about 1 700 map themes.
A comprehensive redesign of the graphical user interface (GUI) involved the in-house development of all tools and graphical user interface components. The 2D map and 3D map sections now have a unified and consistent GUI. In addition, the AoS 3 GUI allows for splitting the map screen to display up to four independent maps in parallel.
The AoS 3 features a comprehensive query system, object labeling, and a legend module using the smart legend approach. Regarding 2D visualization, one of the major innovations was the development of the data-driven multivariate map approach. This approach enables a generic on-the-fly map creation and versatile map symbolization. Some additional cartographic visualization types were integrated in AoS 3: line maps, network maps, focus maps, and multivariate charts.
Concerning the 3D section of AoS 3, the well-received 3D relief representations (panorama, block diagram) were further developed. A new 3D model dealing with statistical surfaces (3D prism maps) completes the rich selection of high-end cartographic representations. The 3D tools for illumination, fog, hypsography, slope, aspect, and cast shadows were improved. Silhouette lines and arbitrary cloud patterns can be added to a 3D scene. In addition, geographic object labeling can be activated for panoramic views, block diagrams and statistical surfaces. Place names are easily revealed or removed by simply clicking on the map. Finally, a very special new feature was added to the panoramic view: users can visualize and label the night sky including star constellations and planets for any time and from any place in Switzerland.

: Start page with language selection (German)

: Start page with language selection (Italian)

: Thematic overview and map selection (German)

: Thematic overview and map selection (English)

: Imprint (French)

: GUI for 2D maps, including panels for map theme choice, map visualization, navigation, map analysis, and general functions

: GUI for 3D maps (panoramas, block diagrams, prism maps), including panels for map theme choice, map visualization, navigation, map analysis, and general functions

: 2D Basemap: Free combination of map layers (relief, rivers and lakes, settlements, roads, boundaries, etc.)

: Adaptive Zooming: Scale 1: 1 million, approx. (2D basemap)

: Adaptive Zooming: Scale 1: 340,000, approx. (2D basemap)

: Adaptive Zooming: Scale 1: 160,000, approx. (2D basemap)

: Adaptive Zooming: Scale 1: 100,000, approx. (2D basemap)

: 3D Block diagram: Shaded terrain model in combination with nine layers of the basemap

: 3D Block diagram: Rotation and inclination of the 3D map

: 3D Block diagram: Shaded terrain model in combination with satellite image and other layers of the basemap

: 3D Block diagram: Rotation and inclination of the 3D satellite image map

: 3D Block diagram: Shaded terrain model in combination with the National map and other layers of the basemap

: 3D Block diagram: Rotation and inclination of the 3D National map

: 3D Panorama: Shaded terrain model in combination with satellite image and other layers of the basemap

: New map type: Multivariate charts (pie charts) with variable size and color

: New map type: Pictographic symbols with variable size, rotation and color

: New map type: Pseudo 3D symbols with variable size and color

: New map type: Line map with variable color and width

: New map type: Net map with variable color

: New map type: Focus map with selection of the starting point and display of the destinations (e.g. flight routes)

: New 3D map type: Prism maps with discrete prism surface

: New 3D map type: Prism maps with smooth prism surface

: New 3D map type: Panorama map with silhouette

: Theme selection: Hierarchic menu with a map preview

: Theme selection: Combination with a 2nd thematic layer

: Time slider: Selection of a point in time or a time period (1990–2007)

: Reference map: Zooming for more precise localisation

: Legend: Combination of two map themes and the basemap

: Legend: Classing window and changing the class number, distribution and colors

: Legend: Complex hierarchic legend

: Legend: Color scheme for qualitative classes and changing the class color

: Legend: Highlighting a class

: Index: Filtering options for the list and displaying the names occuring in the map excerpt (names colored blue)

: Theme information: Display of explanatory texts and photos relating to the map theme

: Theme information: Display of images and photos relating to the map theme

: Theme information: Display of videos relating to the map theme

: Comparison of data values: Selection of single map elements

: Comparison of data values: Display as a sortable and scalable bar chart

: Comparison of data values: Display of maximum and minimum values (top ten/flop ten)

: Comparison of data values: Recentering the map on the location of the place (Britanniahütte)

: Map Labeling: Names placed correctly in cartographical terms (settlements, glaciers)

: Map Labeling: Names placed correctly in cartographical terms (settlements, rivers and lakes, mountains, glaciers)

: Map Comparison: Screen split into up to four map sectors, each of them individually controllable (e.g. map extent, map theme, time and space unit)

: Map Comparison: Split screen and individual choice of map display mode by sector (2D map, 3D block diagram, panorama, prism map)

: Navigation in the panorama map: Display of the main directions, and a zoomable reference map

: Query of the map elements (Panorama): Display in the map, detailed info in the query panel (bottom)

: Query of the map elements (Block diagram): Display in the map, detailed info in the query panel (bottom)

: Legend: Complex hierarchic legend

: Index of names: Selection and filtering of names; direct localization in the 3D map

: Labeling (panorama): Interactive control of the selection and number of names

: Labeling (panorama): Vertical or horizontal positioning of the names

: Labeling (block diagram): Interactive control of the selection and number of names

: Climber Tool (upper menu bar, on the right): Direct positioning on the peak selected

: Terrain Profile: Drawing and displaying a profile line

: Terrain Profile: Shifting of line vertices

: Terrain Profile: Combination of a thematic map and a profile

: Cloud tool: Cloud image creation

: Cloud visualization: Change in cloud image

: Night sky in panorama map: Setting of date and time, display of the solar system, the stars and the star constellations

: Night sky in panorama map: Labeling of the solar system, the stars and the star constellations

: Night sky in panorama map: Display of planetary orbits (Mercury and Venus, 1 year)

: Night sky in panorama map: Display of planetary orbits (Mercury and Venus, 10 years)

: Night sky in panorama map: Display of planetary orbits (Mercury, 10 years)

: Hypsography: Coloring of the terrain according to the altitude

: Hypsography: Highlighting of a single altitude class by coloring

: Slope: Showing the steepness of the terrain using colored slope classes

: Slope: Changing the classification and coloring of the terrain

: Exposition: Coloring of the terrain according to the four main directions

: Exposition: Change in slope orientation coloring

: Distance: Display of distance (circles), starting from a defined position in the terrain

: Distance: Change in classification and coloring of the distance (circles)

: Visibility: Calculation and display of the terrain sections visible from a vieving point

: Visibility: Calculation and display of the terrain sections visible from a vieving point

: Illumination of the terrain model: Shading direction S

: Illumination of the terrain model: Shading direction NW, change in lighting components (reflection)

: Cast shadow: Display of the drop shadow area in relation to the position of the sun

: Cast shadow: Change of the drop shadow area in relation to the time

: Fog: Determination of the limitations and layer thickness of fog, and its coloring

: Fog: Changing the virtual fog height

: Prism map: Combined visualization of two themes by means of height and color

: Prism map: Change of the 2nd theme (coloring)

: Prism map: Start of a time series (e.g. months)

: Prism map: Change from discrete to smooth prism surface, change of terrain exaggeration

The third version of the digital Atlas of Switzerland (AoS 3) on DVD was introduced in 2010. It is best characterized as a high-level enhancement of the previous version. For AoS 3, the thematic topics from AoS 2 were updated. Furthermore, data for three new topics, Energy, Traffic, and Communication were added. All in all, AoS 3 consists of about 1 700 map themes.
A comprehensive redesign of the graphical user interface (GUI) involved the in-house development of all tools and graphical user interface components. The 2D map and 3D map sections now have a unified and consistent GUI. In addition, the AoS 3 GUI allows for splitting the map screen to display up to four independent maps in parallel.
The AoS 3 features a comprehensive query system, object labeling, and a legend module using the smart legend approach. Regarding 2D visualization, one of the major innovations was the development of the data-driven multivariate map approach. This approach enables a generic on-the-fly map creation and versatile map symbolization. Some additional cartographic visualization types were integrated in AoS 3: line maps, network maps, focus maps, and multivariate charts.
Concerning the 3D section of AoS 3, the well-received 3D relief representations (panorama, block diagram) were further developed. A new 3D model dealing with statistical surfaces (3D prism maps) completes the rich selection of high-end cartographic representations. The 3D tools for illumination, fog, hypsography, slope, aspect, and cast shadows were improved. Silhouette lines and arbitrary cloud patterns can be added to a 3D scene. In addition, geographic object labeling can be activated for panoramic views, block diagrams and statistical surfaces. Place names are easily revealed or removed by simply clicking on the map. Finally, a very special new feature was added to the panoramic view: users can visualize and label the night sky including star constellations and planets for any time and from any place in Switzerland.

: Start page with language selection (German)

: Start page with language selection (Italian)

: Thematic overview and map selection (German)

: Thematic overview and map selection (English)

: Imprint (French)

: GUI for 2D maps, including panels for map theme choice, map visualization, navigation, map analysis, and general functions

: GUI for 3D maps (panoramas, block diagrams, prism maps), including panels for map theme choice, map visualization, navigation, map analysis, and general functions

: 2D Basemap: Free combination of map layers (relief, rivers and lakes, settlements, roads, boundaries, etc.)

: Adaptive Zooming: Scale 1: 1 million, approx. (2D basemap)

: Adaptive Zooming: Scale 1: 340,000, approx. (2D basemap)

: Adaptive Zooming: Scale 1: 160,000, approx. (2D basemap)

: Adaptive Zooming: Scale 1: 100,000, approx. (2D basemap)

: 3D Block diagram: Shaded terrain model in combination with nine layers of the basemap

: 3D Block diagram: Rotation and inclination of the 3D map

: 3D Block diagram: Shaded terrain model in combination with satellite image and other layers of the basemap

: 3D Block diagram: Rotation and inclination of the 3D satellite image map

: 3D Block diagram: Shaded terrain model in combination with the National map and other layers of the basemap

: 3D Block diagram: Rotation and inclination of the 3D National map

: 3D Panorama: Shaded terrain model in combination with satellite image and other layers of the basemap

: New map type: Multivariate charts (pie charts) with variable size and color

: New map type: Pictographic symbols with variable size, rotation and color

: New map type: Pseudo 3D symbols with variable size and color

: New map type: Line map with variable color and width

: New map type: Net map with variable color

: New map type: Focus map with selection of the starting point and display of the destinations (e.g. flight routes)

: New 3D map type: Prism maps with discrete prism surface

: New 3D map type: Prism maps with smooth prism surface

: New 3D map type: Panorama map with silhouette

: Theme selection: Hierarchic menu with a map preview

: Theme selection: Combination with a 2nd thematic layer

: Time slider: Selection of a point in time or a time period (1990–2007)

: Reference map: Zooming for more precise localisation

: Legend: Combination of two map themes and the basemap

: Legend: Classing window and changing the class number, distribution and colors

: Legend: Complex hierarchic legend

: Legend: Color scheme for qualitative classes and changing the class color

: Legend: Highlighting a class

: Index: Filtering options for the list and displaying the names occuring in the map excerpt (names colored blue)

: Theme information: Display of explanatory texts and photos relating to the map theme

: Theme information: Display of images and photos relating to the map theme

: Theme information: Display of videos relating to the map theme

: Comparison of data values: Selection of single map elements

: Comparison of data values: Display as a sortable and scalable bar chart

: Comparison of data values: Display of maximum and minimum values (top ten/flop ten)

: Comparison of data values: Recentering the map on the location of the place (Britanniahütte)

: Map Labeling: Names placed correctly in cartographical terms (settlements, glaciers)

: Map Labeling: Names placed correctly in cartographical terms (settlements, rivers and lakes, mountains, glaciers)

: Map Comparison: Screen split into up to four map sectors, each of them individually controllable (e.g. map extent, map theme, time and space unit)

: Map Comparison: Split screen and individual choice of map display mode by sector (2D map, 3D block diagram, panorama, prism map)

: Navigation in the panorama map: Display of the main directions, and a zoomable reference map

: Query of the map elements (Panorama): Display in the map, detailed info in the query panel (bottom)

: Query of the map elements (Block diagram): Display in the map, detailed info in the query panel (bottom)

: Legend: Complex hierarchic legend

: Index of names: Selection and filtering of names; direct localization in the 3D map

: Labeling (panorama): Interactive control of the selection and number of names

: Labeling (panorama): Vertical or horizontal positioning of the names

: Labeling (block diagram): Interactive control of the selection and number of names

: Climber Tool (upper menu bar, on the right): Direct positioning on the peak selected

: Terrain Profile: Drawing and displaying a profile line

: Terrain Profile: Shifting of line vertices

: Terrain Profile: Combination of a thematic map and a profile

: Cloud tool: Cloud image creation

: Cloud visualization: Change in cloud image

: Night sky in panorama map: Setting of date and time, display of the solar system, the stars and the star constellations

: Night sky in panorama map: Labeling of the solar system, the stars and the star constellations

: Night sky in panorama map: Display of planetary orbits (Mercury and Venus, 1 year)

: Night sky in panorama map: Display of planetary orbits (Mercury and Venus, 10 years)

: Night sky in panorama map: Display of planetary orbits (Mercury, 10 years)

: Hypsography: Coloring of the terrain according to the altitude

: Hypsography: Highlighting of a single altitude class by coloring

: Slope: Showing the steepness of the terrain using colored slope classes

: Slope: Changing the classification and coloring of the terrain

: Exposition: Coloring of the terrain according to the four main directions

: Exposition: Change in slope orientation coloring

: Distance: Display of distance (circles), starting from a defined position in the terrain

: Distance: Change in classification and coloring of the distance (circles)

: Visibility: Calculation and display of the terrain sections visible from a vieving point

: Visibility: Calculation and display of the terrain sections visible from a vieving point

: Illumination of the terrain model: Shading direction S

: Illumination of the terrain model: Shading direction NW, change in lighting components (reflection)

: Cast shadow: Display of the drop shadow area in relation to the position of the sun

: Cast shadow: Change of the drop shadow area in relation to the time

: Fog: Determination of the limitations and layer thickness of fog, and its coloring

: Fog: Changing the virtual fog height

: Prism map: Combined visualization of two themes by means of height and color

: Prism map: Change of the 2nd theme (coloring)

: Prism map: Start of a time series (e.g. months)

: Prism map: Change from discrete to smooth prism surface, change of terrain exaggeration