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1. Geographic reference products
Geographic reference products help users gain a better understanding of geographic concepts and locate the geographic areas appropriate to their census and other data needs.
What's new?
Illustrated Glossary
GeoSearch2006
Geography Catalogue
Geography definitions (2006 Census Dictionary)
Reference guides
Reference maps - 2006 Census
- Reference maps - complete set, 2006 Census
- National reference maps
- Federal Electoral Districts reference map
- Census Division and Census Subdivision Reference Maps
- Census Tract Reference Maps, by Census Metropolitan Areas or Census Agglomerations
- Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Census Tracts, for Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations
- Dissemination Areas Reference Maps, by Non-Tracted Census Agglomerations
- Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Census Subdivisions, for areas outside Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations
Thematic maps - 2006 Census
Geography working paper series
Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status and Names
Standard Geographical Classification (SGC)
What's new?
- Redesigned 2006 Census website provides improved access to all the geography products and services.
- The complete set of all reference maps for 2006 is available for purchase for $275 (as PDF files on DVD).
- The Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status and Names is now available on the Statistics Canada website (www.statcan.gc.ca).
Illustrated Glossary
The Illustrated Glossary is a tool that can help users take full advantage of census data by providing an understanding of the terms related to geographic concepts, infrastructure, products and services. Geography is important to the national statistical system. Well-defined geographic areas provide the framework for the collection, presentation and analysis of data. Visitors to the Geography site can access the Illustrated Glossary which presents geographic concepts, products and services, as well as links to online tutorials and detailed definitions.
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-195-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 13 March 2007 |
| 92-195-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 13 March 2007 |
GeoSearch2006
Redesigned for 2006, this interactive mapping application makes it easy to find many places in Canada, see them on a map, and get basic geographic and demographic data for those places. To find a specific place of interest, users can click and zoom in on a map of Canada or they can search by place name, street name, street intersection or postal code. GeoSearch2006 displays the appropriate map showing boundaries and other features. GeoSearch2006 automatically displays population and dwelling counts for the selected places, and shows what kind of census geographic area it is and its relationship to other census geographic areas.
New functionality for 2006 includes links to 2006 Census reference maps and community profile tables, and a thematic mapping option for selected census topics (for selected levels of geography).
Thematic variables available in GeoSearch2006 include:
- Population and Dwelling Counts – March 13, 2007
-
- Population density persons per square kilometre, 2006
- Population change, 2001 - 2006 (Percentage change)
- Age and Sex – July 17, 2007
-
- Median age
- Percentage of population aged 14 years and under
- Percentage of population aged 65 years and over
- Families and Households – September 12, 2007
-
- Percentage of census families who are lone parent
- Percentage of private households containing couples with children under age 25 at home
- Language, Immigration and Citizenship – December 4, 2007
-
- Percentage of anglophones (Population with English as mother tongue)
- Percentage of francophones (Population with French as mother tongue)
- Percentage of allophones (Population with a mother tongue other than English or French)
- Percentage of population speaking English most often at home
- Percentage of population speaking French most often at home
- Immigrants as a percentage of total population
- Aboriginal peoples – January 15, 2008
-
- Percentage of population with an Aboriginal Identity
- Percentage of population with a North American Indian Identity
- Percentage of population with a Métis Identity
- Percentage of population with an Inuit Identity
- Labour and Education – March 4, 2008
-
- Unemployment Rate, for the Population 15 years and Older
- Employment Rate, for the Population 15 years and Older
- Average Annual Employment Growth 2001 to 2006, for the Population 15 years and Older
- Educational Attainment - Percentage University Certificate, Diploma or Degree
- Educational Attainment - Percentage College, CEGEP or Other Non-university Certificate or Diploma
- Educational Attainment - Percentage Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate or Diploma
- Educational Attainment - Percentage High School Certificate or Equivalent
- Educational Attainment - Percentage Less than High School
- Ethnic Origin, Visible Minorities and Place of Work – April 2, 2008
-
- Median Commuting Distance by Place of Residence
- Percentage employed labour force using a sustainable mode of transportation to get to work (place of work)
- Percentage of visible minorities
- Income and Earnings – May 1, 2008
- Shelter Costs – June 4, 2008
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-197-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 13 March 2007 |
| 92-197-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 13 March 2007 |
Figure 1.1
View of GeoSearch2006 on the Statistics Canada website.
Geography Catalogue
The Geography Catalogue includes all information found in the Statistics Canada online catalogue, but has the following additional information. It provides highlights of what's new about geographic products, as well as illustrations of several products. It includes a glossary of geographic terms, the geographic hierarchy diagram, and a table showing the number of geographic units by province and territory for the 2006 Census. Also included are examples of the Statistics Canada's licence agreements for free products and for fee products.
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-196-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 10 April 2008 |
| 92-196-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 10 April 2008 |
| 92-196-XIE | English | Free | 10 April 2008 | |
| 92-196-XIF | French | Free | 10 April 2008 |
Geography definitions (2006 Census Dictionary)
The Geography section of the 2006 Census Dictionary provides an overview of what's new for 2006 and the definitions for geographic concepts, products and other terms. The definitions include a detailed description of each term, delineation rules, special notes, data quality information or applications relevant to the term. Some historical information is also provided. The dictionary also includes a comprehensive subject index.
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-566-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 14 February 2007 |
| 92-566-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 14 February 2007 |
Reference guides
Most geography products come with free reference guides that describe the content, applications, data quality and record layouts. The following reference guides are available as PDF and/or HTML documents.
Table 1.1
Reference guides for geography products available in PDF and/or HTML
Reference maps - 2006 Census
Reference maps show the location of the geographic areas for which census data are tabulated and disseminated. The maps display the boundaries, names and codes of standard geographic areas, as well as major cultural and physical features, such as roads, railroads, coastlines, rivers and lakes.
What's new?
- The Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Census Division, for areas outside Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 2001 Census are discontinued and replaced by the Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Census Subdivision, for areas outside Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 2006 Census.
- The complete set of reference maps for 2006 is available for purchase for $275 (as PDF files on DVD). The minimum charge for custom orders is $128. Paper copies of the reference maps can also be purchased. The minimum charge is $128. Contact us through the National inquiries line at 1-800-263-1136 or order on-line through infostats@statcan.gc.ca.
Over 10,000 reference maps are available for the 2006 Census. Given the diversity in size of these geographic areas, different map scales and map coverages are required to show the appropriate level of detail. Descriptions of each series are provided with the individual catalogue entries below.
Individual reference maps can be viewed and downloaded for free (as PDF files) by visiting the Maps and geography web page on the Statistics Canada website (www.statcan.gc.ca).
Reference maps - complete set, 2006 Census
The complete set of reference maps for the 2006 Census are available for purchase as PDF files on DVD; visit the Statistics Canada website (www.statcan.gc.ca).
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-172-XVB | DVD | Bilingual | $275 | 13 March 2007 |
National reference maps
For the 2006 Census, four national maps produced by Statistics Canada show the location of census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations, census divisions, economic regions and census divisions and the Statistical Area Classification. The maps are produced as part of the Standard Geographic Classification (SGC), Volume II, Reference Maps (Catalogue no. 12-572-XWE).
Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 2006
This map shows the general location of census metropolitan areas and census
agglomerations within each province and territory, with large dots designating
census metropolitan areas and small dots designating census agglomerations. The
map also lists the census metropolitan area and census agglomeration names in
census metropolitan area and census agglomeration code order, by province and
territory. The scale of this map is 1: 7,500,000 (with an inset showing southern
Quebec and southern Ontario at 1: 4,000,000) and its approximate dimensions are
107 cm by 87 cm (42 inches by 34 inches). The approximate size of the PDF file is 5.6 MB.
Census Divisions, 2006
This map shows the census division boundaries and codes within each
province and territory, on a background of major lakes and rivers. The map also
lists the census division names in census division code order, by province and
territory. The scale of this map is 1: 7,500,000 (with an inset showing southern
Quebec and southern Ontario at 1: 4,000,000) and its approximate dimensions are
107 cm by 87 cm (42 inches by 34 inches). The approximate size of the PDF file is 6.5 MB.
Economic Regions and Census Divisions, 2006
This map shows the economic region and census division boundaries and codes
within each province and territory. The map also lists, by province and
territory, the economic region names in economic region code order, within
which their component census division codes and names are numerically listed.
The scale of this map is 1: 7,500,000 (with an inset showing southern Quebec and
southern Ontario at 1: 4,000,000) and its approximate dimensions are 107 cm by
87 cm (42 inches by 34 inches). The approximate size of the PDF file is 6.6 MB.
Statistical Area Classification, 2006 Census Subdivisions
This map shows census subdivisions classified by colour according to the
category of the Statistical Area Classification they are assigned to. The
categories include: component of a census metropolitan area/census
agglomeration, component of a census metropolitan area and census agglomeration
influenced zone (strongly influenced, moderately influenced, weakly influenced
or not influenced), or component of the territories (Yukon, Northwest
Territories and Nunavut). The scale of this map is 1: 7,500,000 (with an inset
showing southern Quebec and southern Ontario at 1: 4,000,000) and its
approximate dimensions are 107 cm by 87 cm (42 inches by 34 inches). The approximate size of the PDF file is 10.8 MB.
Federal Electoral Districts (2003 Representation Order) Reference Map
This national map shows the boundaries, names and codes of federal electoral districts according to the 2003 Representation Order, on a background of major lakes and rivers. Insets show more detail for the congested areas on the map. The federal electoral district map was produced by Natural Resources Canada for Elections Canada. The dimensions of this map are approximately 74 cm by 25 cm (29 inches by 10 inches). The approximate size of the PDF file is 3.3 MB.
Census Division and Census Subdivision Reference Maps
The set of Census Division and Census Subdivision Reference Maps covers all of Canada, by province and territory. The maps show the boundaries, names and codes of census divisions (such as counties and regional districts) and census subdivisions (such as cities, towns, villages, other local municipal entities, townships and Indian reserves). The maps also show the boundaries of census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations. There are 23 maps that vary in scale (ranging from 1: 275,000 to 1: 4,500,000) and size, the maximum dimensions being approximately 91 cm by 112 cm (36 inches by 44 inches); see Figure 1.2 and Table 1.2. A reference guide is available (Catalogue no. 92-149-GIE, GWE).
Note: The complete set of Census Division and Census Subdivision Reference Maps is available in the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC), Volume II, Reference Maps (Catalogue no. 12-572-XWE, XWF, XPB). This publication also includes four maps of Canada at the 1: 7,500,000 scale, one showing census divisions, one showing economic regions and census divisions, one showing Statistical Area Classification and one showing point locations of census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations. An index map is also included that shows the areas covered by each provincial or territorial map.
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-572-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| 12-572-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| 12-572-XPB | Bilingual | $135 | 16 January 2007 |
Figure 1.2
Index map for census division and census subdivision reference maps
Table 1.2
Summary of National, census division and census subdivision reference maps by province and territory
Census Tract Reference Maps, by Census Metropolitan Areas or Census Agglomerations
The Census Tract Reference Maps, by Census Metropolitan Areas or Census Agglomerations cover all 33 census metropolitan areas and the 15 census agglomerations in the census tract program. The maps show the boundaries and names of census tracts and census subdivisions, designated places and their names, as well as urban core, secondary urban core, urban fringe and rural fringe within the census metropolitan areas or census agglomerations, with one to 10 maps covering each area. There are 131 maps in the series and inset maps were created to show detail for the more concentrated areas.
The maps also display census subdivision boundaries with detailed street network and other visible features such as railroads, rivers and lakes. The maps vary in scale and size; the maximum dimensions are 86 cm by 61 cm (34 inches by 24 inches). The PDF file sizes range from 0.15 MB to 6.5 MB.
The maps are in colour. A reference guide is available (Catalogue no. 92-146-GIE, GWE).
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-146-UIB | Bilingual | Free | 13 March 2007 |
Figure 1.3
Example of a Census tract reference map
Figure 1.4
Example of an inset from a Census tract reference map
Table 1.3
Summary of Census tract reference maps, by census metropolitan areas or census agglomerations
Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Census Tracts, for Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations
The Dissemination Areas Reference Maps, by Census Tracts, for Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, cover all 33 census metropolitan areas and the 15 census agglomerations that are part of the census tract program. Each map in the series covers one census tract and displays the boundaries and codes of dissemination areas within that tracted area. There are 5,269 maps in the series. Inset maps were created to show detail for the more concentrated areas.
The maps display census tract, census subdivision, and census metropolitan area or census agglomeration boundaries with street network and other visible features such as railroads, rivers and lakes. The dimensions of each map are 27 cm by 43 cm (11 inches by 17 inches). Map scales vary according to the size of the census tract; thus the maps cannot be cut and pasted together. The PDF file sizes range from 0.15 MB to 2.3 MB.
Dissemination area reference maps are also available for non-tracted census agglomerations (Catalogue no. 92-148-UIB), and by census subdivision for areas outside census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (Catalogue no. 92-145-UIB). Together, the three sets of dissemination area maps cover all of Canada.
A reference guide is available (Catalogue no. 92-145-GIE, GWE).
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-147-XIB | Bilingual | Free | 16 January 2007 |
Figure 1.5
Example of a Dissemination area reference map by census tract for census metropolitan area and census agglomeration
Figure 1.6
Example of an inset from a Dissemination area reference map by census tracts for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations
Table 1.4
Summary of Dissemination area reference maps, by census tracts, for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations
Dissemination Areas Reference Maps, by Non-tracted Census Agglomerations
The Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Non-tracted Census Agglomerations cover smaller census agglomerations that are not part of the census tract program. Each map in the series covers one census agglomeration and displays the boundaries and codes of dissemination areas, designated places and their names, urban core, urban fringe and rural fringe, within that census agglomeration. There are 271 maps in this series and inset maps were created to show detail for the more concentrated areas.
The maps also display census subdivision boundaries with detailed street network and other visible features such as railroads, rivers and lakes. The maps vary in scale and size, the maximum dimensions being 86 cm by 61 cm (34 inches by 24 inches). The PDF file sizes range from 0.17 MB to 2.4 MB.
Dissemination area reference maps are also available by census tracts for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (Catalogue no. 92-147-XIB) and by census subdivisions for areas outside census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (Catalogue no. 92-145-UIB). Together, the three sets of dissemination area maps cover all of Canada.
The maps are in colour. A reference guide is available (Catalogue no. 92-145-GIE, GWE).
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-148-UIB | Bilingual | Free | 13 March 2007 |
Figure 1.7
Example of a Dissemination area reference map by non-tracted census agglomerations
Figure 1.8
Example of detail from a Dissemination area reference map by non-tracted census agglomerations
Table 1.5
Summary of Dissemination area reference maps, by non-tracted census agglomerations
Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Census Subdivisions, for areas outside Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations
The Dissemination Area Reference Maps, by Census Subdivisions, for areas outside Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations cover areas outside census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations. Each map in this series covers one census subdivision and displays the boundaries and codes of dissemination areas, designated places and their names, as well as urban and rural areas within that census subdivision. There are 4,470 maps in this series.
The maps also display census subdivision boundaries with detailed street network and other visible features such as railroads, rivers and lakes. The maps vary in scale and size; the maximum dimensions are 86 cm by 61 cm (34 inches by 24 inches). The PDF file sizes range from 0.17 MB to 6.0 MB.
Dissemination areas reference maps are also available by census tracts for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (Catalogue no. 92-147-XIB), and by non-tracted census agglomerations (Catalogue no. 92-148-UIB). Together, the three sets of dissemination area maps cover all of Canada.
The maps are in colour. A reference guide is available (Catalogue no. 92-145-GIE, GWE).
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-145-UIB | Bilingual | Free | 13 March 2007 |
Table 1.6
Summary of Dissemination area reference maps, by census subdivisions, for areas outside census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations within each province and territory
Figure 1.9
Example of a Dissemination area reference map by census subdivision for areas outside census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations
Thematic maps - 2006 Census
A thematic map shows the spatial distribution of one or more specific data themes. These maps may be qualitative in nature (e.g., showing different types of farms) or quantitative (e.g., percentage population change).
Thematic maps showing 2006 Census data are in colour. Map dimensions are 21.6 cm by 27.9 cm (8.5 inches by 11 inches). Thematic maps can be viewed and downloaded for free as PDF files. A number of thematic map animations can be viewed throughout the Statistics Canada website.
Maps covering the following areas are available:
World
Canada
Provinces
Regions
Census metropolitan areas
Census subdivisions.
| Release topic | Release date |
|---|---|
| Population and dwelling counts | 13 March 2007 |
| Age and sex | 17 July 2007 |
| Marital status (including common-law status) Families and households |
12 September 2007 |
| Language Immigration and citizenship |
4 December 2007 |
| Aboriginal peoples | 15 January 2008 |
| Labour (including labour market activity, industry and occupation) Education |
4 March 2008 |
| Place of work and commuting to work (including mode of transportation) Visible minorities |
2 April 2008 |
| Income Earnings |
1 May 2008 |
| Shelter costs | 4 June 2008 |
| Mobility | 26 June 2008 |
| Catalogue no. | Title | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-173-XIE | Thematic maps, 2006 Census | English | Free | 13 March 2007 | |
| 92-173-XIF | Thematic maps, 2006 Census | French | Free | 13 March 2007 |
Geography Working Paper Series
The Geography Working Paper Series is intended to stimulate discussion on a variety of topics covering conceptual, methodological or technical work to support the development and dissemination of the division's data, products and services. Readers of the series are encouraged to contact the Geography Division with comments and suggestions at GEO-Help at 613-951-3889.
The working papers are available for free on the Statistics Canada website. A print version is also available for a nominal charge.
| Catalogue no. | Title | Medium | Language | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92F0138MWE | Geography Working Paper Series | Internet | English | Free |
| 92F0138MWF | Geography Working Paper Series | Internet | French | Free |
| 92F0138MIE | Geography Working Paper Series | English | Free | |
| 92F0138MIF | Geography Working Paper Series | French | Free | |
| 92F0138MPE | Geography Working Paper Series | English | Fee | |
| 92F0138MPF | Geography Working Paper Series | French | Fee |
Table 1.7
Titles in the Geography working paper series
Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status and Names
The Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status and Names is a report that provides a summary of changes to municipal boundaries, status and names. The list is produced on an annual basis for changes that occurred during the previous year. The Geography Division of Statistics Canada processes the municipal changes based on information received through provincial/territorial gazettes, letters patent, and orders-in-council. The Interim List may or may not include all changes occurring within the given time period.
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92F0009XWE | Internet | English | Free | Annual |
| 92F0009XWF | Internet | French | Free | Annual |
| 92F0009XIB | Bilingual | Free | Annual |
Standard Geographical Classification (SGC)
The Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) is a system of names and codes representing areas of Canada. It consists of a three-tiered hierarchy: province or territory, census division and census subdivision. This relationship is reflected in the seven-digit code. The SGC is used to identify information for particular geographical areas and to tabulate statistics.
Information about the 2006 Standard Geographical Classification is organized into two volumes.
Standard Geographical Classification (SGC). Volume I. The Classification
Volume l, The Classification, is designed as a reference and coding manual. The classification volume contains tables of Standard Geographical Classification units with their names and codes, related areas based upon the SGC and an alphabetical index of place names. It summarizes all changes occurring between 2001 and 2006 that impact directly upon the SGC.
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-571-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 16 January 2007 |
| 12-571-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 16 January 2007 |
| 12-571-XIE | English | Free | 16 January 2007 | |
| 12-571-XIF | French | Free | 16 January 2007 |
Standard Geographical Classification (SGC). Volume II. Reference Maps
Volume II, Reference Maps, shows the boundaries, names and Standard Geographical Classification codes of all census divisions and census subdivisions in Canada, in effect on January 1, 2006. It also provides the names, codes and areal extent of census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations. National maps show the boundaries, names and codes of census divisions and economic regions and also the Statistical Area Classification by census subdivision. For information on ordering individual map sheets, see Census Division and Census Subdivision Reference Maps in this catalogue.
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-572-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| 12-572-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| 12-572-XPB | Bilingual | $135 | 16 January 2007 |
2009-03-16