Summary

The Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo) published a new 3D geological model (swissJURA³D) for the Swiss Jura on June 17, 2026. The National Geological Model (NGM) aims to develop two- and three-dimensional geological models of the entire Swiss subsurface by 2032. The digital infrastructure integrates geological maps, drilling data, and geophysical information in a unified representation. The first model area between St-Cergue and Le Sentier is now publicly accessible via the platform www.swissgeol.ch. The data infrastructure supports planning and implementation projects in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and natural hazard prevention.

Persons

  • swisstopo (Federal Office of Topography; project sponsor)

Topics

  • Digital infrastructure
  • Geological data modeling
  • Subsurface research
  • National data platforms

Clarus Lead

The publication of the NGM program addresses a central infrastructure gap: while the Swiss surface is well documented, the subsurface remains partially unexplored—a deficit that endangers supply security, natural hazard management, and major projects. The centralized data platform reduces data collection costs, promotes data reuse, and creates economic added value for the federal government, cantons, science, and the private sector. With the completion of the first model area, swisstopo demonstrates the feasibility and scalability of the ambitious timeline through 2032.

Detailed Summary

The NGM program follows a region-specific approach that accounts for Switzerland's geological heterogeneity. The first realized model, swissJURA³D, consists of three integrated components: a grid model composed of intersecting geological profiles, a fault model for tectonic fracture surfaces, and a horizon model based on the lithostratigraphic reference horizon "Top Ifenthal Formation." This model architecture enables coherent three-dimensional visualization of geological structures and rock layers.

The platform www.swissgeol.ch functions as a national data and knowledge infrastructure, integrated with map.geo.admin.ch. Users can view, query, and download model areas in the viewer. Public access promotes data reuse and reduces redundant data collection efforts. Additional model areas are currently being processed and will be published progressively.

Key Statements

  • The NGM will develop comprehensive 2D and 3D geology models of all of Switzerland by 2032
  • The first model area swissJURA³D (St-Cergue – Le Sentier) is publicly accessible
  • Central data platforms (www.swissgeol.ch, map.geo.admin.ch) reduce data collection costs and promote data reuse

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality & Validation: What quality criteria and validation processes ensure the accuracy of 3D models, particularly when integrating heterogeneous data sources (drilling data, geophysical profiles)?

  2. Financing & Resources: What budget funds are allocated for modeling all Swiss regions by 2032, and how is financing security guaranteed over this time horizon?

  3. User Dependencies: To what extent are the federal government, cantons, and the private sector already involved in prioritizing model areas, and is there a risk that economically less attractive regions will be deprioritized?

  4. Data Sovereignty & Access: What regulations apply to the use and sharing of models by private companies, and have data protection or security risks (e.g., for critical infrastructure) been considered?

  5. Methodological Consistency: How is it ensured that region-specific modeling approaches remain compatible and comparable with one another?

  6. Update Cycle: What mechanisms are in place to update the models with new geological findings and drilling data?

Bibliography

Primary Source: Federal Council Communication – National Geological Model (NGM), 17.06.2026 – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/R4HyTkulmtk9httkCuQV1

Verification Status: ✓ 17.06.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 17.06.2026