Imhof, Eduard

Summary

This biographical article examines the career and influence of Swiss cartographer Eduard Imhof (1895–1986). Drawing on major events, institutional appointments, maps, atlases, and publications, it traces his development from an ETH-trained surveyor to founder and longtime director of ETH Zurich’s Institute of Cartography. Imhof played a decisive role in establishing Switzerland’s modern national map system, particularly its content, rock symbols, and hill shading. He also directed multilingual school atlases and the monumental Atlas of Switzerland. Internationally, he became renowned for innovative relief representation, including shaded-relief maps, terrain models, and influential theoretical works such as Cartographic Relief Presentation. His 1930 survey of Gongga Shan further demonstrated his field expertise. With more than 400 publications, leadership as the first president of the International Cartographic Association, and numerous honors, Imhof substantially advanced modern topographic and thematic cartography.