Located in the heart of Switzerland, the Canton of Zug is one of the country’s most economically powerful regions and is internationally established as a major financial and trading center. This positive economic development is based on modern infrastructure and a high quality of life. The Canton purposefully promotes innovation and entrepreneurship, reflected by a large number of startups and technology companies. This innovative strength and a consistent digital strategy support diversification and sustainable stability of the regional economy.
With its “Digital Zug” strategy, the Canton pursues ambitious goals for further digitalization of administration and the development of contemporary services. To be prepared for the future and enable 3D planning of projects, the Canton wanted to use existing data resources, enriched and transformed into a realistic digital 3D model of the canton that provides valuable additional information. The goal was to create a foundation for promising new applications, such as a platform for data-driven planning processes or the simulation of natural events.
We assume that many administrative activities can greatly benefit from 3D applications and that working with 3D information will become even more important in the future.
We assume that many administrative activities can greatly benefit from 3D applications and that working with 3D information will become even more important in the future.
The ZugTwin project was realized through collaboration among the leading Office for Land Register and Geoinformation, the Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology, the Office for the Environment, Octave in Switzerland and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. ZugMap, the Canton’s existing public geoportal, served as the foundation for the 3D digital twin, designed to make geodata accessible, interactive and understandable in 3D for the public using it.
A proof of concept was carried out, with AI-processed data made available via zugmap.ch. The underlying web-based geoinformation system was developed by Octave in Switzerland. In May 2025, zugmap.ch was expanded with a 3D component, and the public finally gained access to the portal. Geodata can be accessed with a simple click, along with additional information. Most data is available either as a direct download or as a geoservice for integration into existing systems. Canton leaders are already planning further developments.