Computer-implemented method for providing switching state data that describe a switching state of a power distribution device having feeders (a, a1, a2, a3) for a low-voltage grid, comprising the following steps: - using a first interface, configured to receive an image file, of a data processing device to receive an image file storing a photograph of the power distribution device as taken by a digital camera, wherein the photograph depicts switching elements that are assigned to individual phases (p) of the feeders (a) and whose switching state is able to be visually detected; - using a computing unit to apply a first trained pattern recognition function to the image file, thereby generating function output data that contain information about the switching state of the switching elements; and - using a second interface, configured to provide switching state data, of a data processing device to provide the switching state data, comprising the function output data, wherein the method furthermore comprises the following steps: - receiving identification data that comprise identifications of the feeders (a) and/or identifications of the phases (p) in the power distribution device; - linking the identification data to the function output data; - providing the switching state data, comprising the linked function output data and identification data, wherein the identification data are obtained in at least one of the following ways: - with the aid of a second trained pattern recognition function for recognizing patterns from technical documents; - with the aid of an IT interface to another system in which the identification data are present; - with the aid of a user interface by way of which a user enters the identification data. - using a first interface, configured to receive an image file, of a data processing device to receive an image file storing a photograph of the power distribution device as taken by a digital camera, wherein the photograph depicts switching elements that are assigned to individual phases (p) of the feeders (a) and whose switching state is able to be visually detected; - using a computing unit to apply a first trained pattern recognition function to the image file, thereby generating function output data that contain information about the switching state of the switching elements; and - using a second interface, configured to provide switching state data, of a data processing device to provide the switching state data, comprising the function output data, - receiving identification data that comprise identifications of the feeders (a) and/or identifications of the phases (p) in the power distribution device; - linking the identification data to the function output data; - providing the switching state data, comprising the linked function output data and identification data, wherein the identification data are obtained in at least one of the following ways: - with the aid of a second trained pattern recognition function for recognizing patterns from technical documents; - with the aid of an IT interface to another system in which the identification data are present; - with the aid of a user interface by way of which a user enters the identification data. - with the aid of a second trained pattern recognition function for recognizing patterns from technical documents; - with the aid of an IT interface to another system in which the identification data are present; - with the aid of a user interface by way of which a user enters the identification data.