3D sewer mapping Zurich - georeferenced and to scale
RTK-GNSS trace measurement with ±2 cm accuracy for as-built records, rehabilitation planning, GIS and BIM. Deliverables in DWG, DXF, Shapefile and optional IFC/LandXML within 7 working days. Directly from our engineering team, no middleman markup.
Deliverables - straight into your project toolchain
- DWG
- DXF
- Shapefile
- IFC
- LandXML
- HD video
- LV95/CH1903+
Comparison
Standard CCTV inspection vs. 3D sewer mapping
Both use HD cameras inside the pipe. The difference is the deliverable and how usable it is for CAD, GIS and BIM.
| Criterion | Standard CCTV | 3D sewer mapping |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Metres from shaft | Absolute LV95/CH1903+ (±2 cm) |
| Deliverable | HD video + damage catalogue | 3D model + video + as-built plan |
| CAD hand-over | PDF report (not editable) | DWG, DXF straight into CAD |
| GIS hand-over | Not provided | Shapefile for ArcGIS / QGIS |
| BIM ready | No | IFC, LandXML on request |
| Condition report SN EN 13508-2 | Included | Included |
| Typical use case | Condition check before rehab | As-built, GIS cadastre, BIM model |
| Turnaround | Report same day | Deliverables in max. 7 working days |
In short: for a rehab decision, our classic CCTV inspection is enough. For as-built records, GIS cadastres and BIM coordination you need 3D sewer mapping.
What is 3D sewer mapping?
3D sewer mapping is a georeferenced trace measurement of an existing pipe network. A self-driving CCTV camera equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and an odometer traverses the line, while RTK-GNSS surveying at the inspection chambers ties the local pipe coordinate system into absolute Swiss coordinates (LV95/CH1903+). The result is not just an HD video, but a to-scale 3D model of the pipe run with ±2 cm positional accuracy.
Compared to a classical CCTV inspection, which delivers a 2D video and a damage catalogue per SN EN 13508-2, 3D sewer mapping adds two things: a precisely located trace reconstruction and CAD/GIS deliverables (DWG, DXF, Shapefile). This turns the measurement from a condition snapshot into a durable as-built record that engineering firms, municipalities and rehabilitation planners can work from directly.
We record video and damage classification per SN EN 13508-2 in parallel with the trace measurement, so a single site visit produces both the 3D model and the condition report. Where accessible manhole positions or custom pipe profiles require it, we complement the run with photogrammetry.
Use cases in Zurich and beyond
In the city and canton of Zurich, we measure sewer trace paths mainly in three scenarios. First, as-built records for buildings and sites where the original construction drawings are missing, inaccurate or predate the current layout. This is common for older properties in the Altstadt, Aussersihl, Wiedikon and around Lake Zurich, and for industrial sites in Zurich west and the Limmat valley.
Second, planning input for rehabilitation projects. Before an inliner, spraylining or open-cut intervention, planners need to know where damage sits in absolute coordinates - not just in metres of push cable from a shaft. The 3D model with damage markers allows point repair, excavation avoidance and precise inliner cut lengths.
Third, GIS updates for municipalities and utilities in the cantons of Zurich, Aargau, Zug, Thurgau, Schaffhausen and Lucerne. Shapefiles load directly into ArcGIS and QGIS, feed the municipal sewer register and support GSchV compliance and KOSTRA reporting - without manual redigitisation from paper plans.
Related services
If you only need a 2D condition assessment without absolute positioning, our CCTV sewer inspection is the right fit. For leak testing per the Swiss Water Protection Ordinance (GSchV), see our leak testing service. Planning partners find their entry point on our architects and site managers page, municipalities on the municipalities page.
So funktioniert es
Unser bewährter Prozess - transparent und effizient von Anfang bis Ende.
- 1
Pre-clarification & quote
You describe the existing situation and goal (rehabilitation planning? as-built record? GIS update?). We assess accessibility, pipe diameter (DN 100 to DN 800) and trace length. You receive a written quote with level of detail, data format and deliverable specification. No middleman markup.
1 - 2
On-site measurement
A self-driving CCTV camera with an integrated IMU and odometer records the trace path. Via reference points at the inspection chambers (RTK-GNSS survey in LV95/CH1903+), the local pipe coordinate system is transferred into absolute Swiss coordinates. HD video for condition assessment per SN EN 13508-2 is recorded in parallel.
2 - 3
Data processing
Trace data from the IMU and odometer are merged with GNSS reference points in our evaluation system. We generate the 3D trace model with ±2 cm positional accuracy, classify damages per SN EN 13508-2, and produce a gradient and slope profile with condition report.
3 - 4
CAD/GIS delivery
You receive the final package: a to-scale 3D model in DWG and DXF for CAD, a Shapefile for GIS systems, a PDF as-built plan with pipe axis, chamber positions and damage markers, HD video recordings and a condition report. Accepted for building records, planning permissions and authority dossiers.
4
Who is this for?
Engineering & architecture firms
As-built survey for rehabilitation planning, connection of new pipes and retrofit projects. CAD-ready DWG and DXF delivery, aligned with your existing project coordinate system.
Municipalities & utilities
GIS-ready as-built data for cadastre updates, GSchV compliance and KOSTRA reports. Shapefile delivery for ArcGIS and QGIS, ready to load into your municipal sewer register.
Building owners & general contractors
Building-records-grade 3D as-built plans for planning permissions, detail design and hand-over to follow-up trades. Documentation that survives an audit.
Rehabilitation planners
Precise location of damage sites in the 3D model for point repair, inliner planning and excavation avoidance. Every crack, offset and root ingress in absolute coordinates.
Your benefits
We combine technical expertise with transparency — so you always know what to expect.
- ±2 cm positional accuracy via RTK-GNSS and IMU
- To-scale 3D model in DWG, DXF, Shapefile - IFC and LandXML for BIM on request
- Condition report per SN EN 13508-2 with damage classification
- Pipes from DN 100 to DN 800, custom profiles via photogrammetry
- Deliverables within a maximum of 7 working days after on-site work
- Direct engagement with our engineering team, no middleman markup
Häufige Fragen
What is georeferenced 3D sewer mapping?
Georeferenced 3D sewer mapping combines a self-driving CCTV camera with GNSS/RTK positioning, an IMU (inertial measurement unit) and an odometer. The result is a precisely located 3D model of the pipe run in absolute Swiss coordinates (LV95/CH1903+) - not just a video, but a to-scale as-built record ready for CAD and GIS.
How accurate is the measurement?
We achieve ±2 cm positional accuracy in the LV95/CH1903+ coordinate system. Actual accuracy depends on GNSS reception at the reference chambers, pipe length between reference points and the internal condition of the line. In tight urban settings with limited sky view, we work with additional ground control points to hold the tolerance.
What data formats do I receive?
You receive a full delivery package: a to-scale 3D model in DWG and DXF for CAD, a Shapefile for GIS systems (ArcGIS, QGIS), a PDF as-built plan with pipe axis, chamber positions and damage markers, HD video recordings of the trace, and a condition report per SN EN 13508-2. On request we also deliver IFC and LandXML for Revit, ArchiCAD, Allplan and BIM coordination workflows.
What pipe diameters does this cover?
The standard measurement range is DN 100 to DN 800. For custom profiles, egg-shaped sewers or accessible pipes we use complementary photogrammetry to reconstruct the geometry. Very small connection lines below DN 100 are handled case by case after pre-clarification.
What does a 3D sewer mapping cost?
Cost depends on trace length, accessibility of the reference chambers, level of detail requested and the required deliverables (CAD only, or CAD plus GIS plus condition report). You receive a written quote after a short pre-clarification, before dispatch. No middleman markup, no surprise price.
How does this differ from standard CCTV inspection?
A standard CCTV inspection delivers a 2D video and a damage catalogue per SN EN 13508-2 - useful for condition assessment, but without absolute positioning. 3D sewer mapping adds a precisely located trace reconstruction and CAD/GIS deliverables on top. If you only need a 2D condition report, our sewer inspection service is the right fit.
How fast do I receive the deliverables?
Standard jobs in Zurich are delivered within a maximum of 7 working days after the on-site measurement: 3D model (DWG, DXF), Shapefile, PDF as-built plan, HD video recordings and condition report per SN EN 13508-2. For additional BIM deliverables (IFC, LandXML) or complex traces with photogrammetric supplement we agree the schedule up front. Emergency 48-hour turnarounds for construction sign-off or authority deadlines are available on request.
Is the data compatible with Revit and BIM workflows?
Yes. In addition to DWG and DXF for AutoCAD, BricsCAD and ZWCAD, we deliver IFC datasets for Revit, ArchiCAD and Allplan and LandXML for BIM coordination models on request. Pipe geometry is transferred as IfcPipeSegment with classified properties (DN, material, condition per SN EN 13508-2), so 3D sewer mapping flows straight into your BIM coordination process without manual conversion.
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