Privacy Policy

1. General information

The “Atlas of Switzerland” is operated by the Institute of Cartography and Geoinformation at ETH Zurich. Protecting the privacy of our users is very important to us. This privacy policy explains which data are processed when you visit our website and for what purposes.

2. General principle

We do not collect or store any personal data within the meaning of the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (revFADP). There is no registration, login, or profile creation. Cookies are used solely for technical purposes or – with your explicit consent – for anonymous usage analysis.

3. Services used and data processing

3.1 Web analytics (Plausible)

For statistical analysis of website usage, we use Plausible Analytics. Plausible collects only minimal technical information (e.g. browser type, screen size, country, referrer). The IP address of the connection is also briefly processed to determine approximate geographic origin and to avoid duplicate counts. This IP address is immediately anonymised, so that no personal reference is possible. All data are processed exclusively on servers located in the European Union. More information: Plausible Privacy Policy.

3.2 Error logging (Sentry)

To ensure technical stability and error analysis, we use Sentry.

  • Sentry generates error reports containing technical information (e.g. browser type, operating system, timestamp, URL).
  • IP addresses are only processed if the user has given consent for usage analysis.
  • Without such consent, all errors are logged in a fully anonymised form, without any personal reference.
  • With consent, anonymised session recordings may be created to better understand technical problems in context. All user inputs (e.g. text fields) are automatically masked. Processing takes place exclusively on servers within the European Union. More information: Sentry Privacy Policy.

3.3 Feedback form

When submitting the feedback form, the entered information (e.g. name, e-mail address, comment text, device type, time) is processed via Sentry. These data are used solely for internal quality improvement and are not shared with third parties.

3.4 Contact form (Resend)

When submitting the contact form, the entered information (e.g. e-mail address, message text) is transmitted via the service Resend and forwarded as an e-mail to our internal inbox. Processing takes place exclusively on servers located in the European Union. To process your request, the information may be shared with relevant persons or departments within ETH Zurich. No data are shared with external third parties. More information: Resend Privacy Policy.

3.5 Map services (MapTiler)

For displaying base maps, we use MapTiler. When map tiles are loaded, requests are sent to MapTiler servers. MapTiler may process certain anonymised technical information (e.g. IP address, time, requested tile) to ensure operation and optimise performance. MapTiler operates exclusively on servers located within the European Union. More information: MapTiler Privacy Policy.

3.6 Basemap Search (swisstopo)

For basemap search, we use the swisstopo REST API services. When search queries are performed, requests are technically sent to swisstopo’s servers. In this process, swisstopo may process technical information (e.g. IP address, timestamp, search term) in order to provide and optimize the service. Further information: swisstopo Legal framework.

4. No further data processing

Apart from the services mentioned above, no additional data processing takes place. In particular:

  • No user accounts or login functions exist.
  • No databases containing personal information are maintained.
  • No individual user tracking is performed.

5. Rights of users

As we do not store any personal data, no individual rights (such as access, correction or deletion) can be exercised.

6. Contact

For questions regarding data protection in connection with the “Atlas of Switzerland”, please use our contact form.

Version of December 19, 2025