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Atlas of Switzerland 3

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

Kinder (Anzahl und Anteil an Bev)
Prism map: Combined visualization of two themes by means of height and color
PM10 Lungengängiger Feinstaub
Prism map: Change of the 2nd theme (coloring)
Niederschlag
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

Kinder (Anzahl und Anteil an Bev)
Prism map: Combined visualization of two themes by means of height and color
PM10 Lungengängiger Feinstaub
Prism map: Change of the 2nd theme (coloring)
Niederschlag
Prism map: Start of a time series (e.g. months)

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

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