The beta-version of the SWISS WORLD ATLAS interactive has been available for the public since early June. This atlas version can be started from www.schweizerweltatlas.ch and is free of charge.
The application is fully web-bases and no local installation is needed. Software and content updates are automatically provided on each start of the atlas. It is therefore guaranteed that all users use the latest version at any time.

During the next weeks some videos about the use of the atlas will be published on the website.

The interactive atlas is based on the content of the printed version. Of course, these maps are not adopted as they are but optimised for screen display and added with interactive value (panning, zooming, layer visibility, display of extra information, etc.).

2D map

However, contents of the interactive atlas are not limited to common interactive 2D maps; selected large-scale maps with a distinct geomorphology can be viewed in a 3D block diagram. Global maps can also be displayed on a virtual globe.

3D block diagram and virtual globe

The three modules map, block diagram and globe are the main modules of the SWISS WORLD ATLAS interactive. In addition, so called supplementary modules are available. They are reserved for contents of the printed atlas which are not suited for one of the mentioned visualisation methods. A first example is the supplementary module with the movement of the earth within the solar system to explain the concept of seasons and the lengths of day and night.

Supplementary module "Earth within the solar system"

The beta-version will at first only be available in German. However, the interactive atlas will be translated into French, Italian and English in the near future. In October, the official version 1 will be launched. Also this version will be openly accessible for free but will contain full functionality and the majority of the final content.

In order to enhance the atlas until its final publication we would appreciate to get as many opinions and wishes of atlas users. On closure of the atlas according comments can be made by clicking the button "Feedback senden".