The Professorship for Cartography is concerned with research in the area of cartographic visualisation, focusing on cartographic production technologies, topographic cartography (terrain representation), thematic cartography, atlas cartography (school atlases, national atlases) and interactive web cartography.

The group aims to uphold and build on its leading position in Swiss cartography by further developing existing cartographic knowledge and transferring it to new types of media and fields of application. The main aim of the research is to develop new cartographic information and interaction methods, both in 2D and 3D mode. Research issues often arise as a result of a specific practical need. The results are implemented in the form of user-friendly applications such as the “Atlas of Switzerland – online” or the “Swiss World Atlas” – two leading international atlas products.

Another area of research is the development of user-friendly features and tools to produce maps, e.g. new types of tools to represent terrain and design maps, which combine innovative analytical features with a high level of design flexibility. The research group also focuses on the modelling, visualisation and interaction of vaguely defined geographical spaces, such as the areas and locations associated with novels and short stories. In classes, students are taught how to use cartographic skills and expertise and spatial applications such as GIS and graphics programmes.