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3. Spatial information products
Spatial information provides the shape and location of geographic features. The boundaries, road network and other features of standard geographic areas are available in digital form for mapping and geographic information system applications. These products include Digital Boundary Files, Cartographic Boundary Files, Road Network Files, and Road Network and Geographic Attribute Files.
What's new?
Boundary Files, 2006 Census
- Province and Territory Boundary Files
- Census Division Boundary Files
- Census Consolidated Subdivision Boundary Files
- Census Subdivision Boundary Files
- Economic Region Boundary Files
- Census Metropolitan Area and Census Agglomeration Boundary Files
- Federal Electoral District Boundary Files (2003 Representation Order)
- Census Tract Boundary Files
- Designated Place Boundary Files
- Urban Area Boundary Files
- Dissemination Area Boundary Files
- Dissemination Block Boundary Files
- Census Forward Sortation Area Boundary File
Population Ecumene Census Division Boundary File
Road Network File
Road Network and Geographic Attribute File
What's new?
- Digital Boundary Files are once again available.
- Boundary Files for provinces/territories, census divisions, census consolidated subdivisions, census subdivisions, economic regions and census metropolitan areas/census agglomerations are available free of charge, downloadable from the Boundary Files web page on the Statistics Canada website (www.statcan.gc.ca).
- The Road Network File is available on an annual basis, free of charge, downloadable on the Statistics Canada website.
- The Road Network and Geographic Attribute File covers all of Canada. Roads are assigned a rank according to four levels of detail. Roads arcs also include geographic attribute information such as left-side and right-side province and territory, census subdivision, census metropolitan area and census agglomeration and census tract names and codes.
- Boundary Files and Road Network Files are now available in Geography Markup Language (GML).
- Spatial Information Products can be purchased through e-commerce on the Statistics Canada website.
Spatial data quality elements provide information on the fitness-for-use of a spatial database by describing why, when and how the data are created, and the accuracy of the data. The elements include an overview describing the purpose and usage, as well as specific quality elements reporting on the lineage, positional accuracy, attribute accuracy, logical consistency and completeness. This information is provided to users for all spatial data products.
Note: Although the spatial information products are disseminated in latitude/longitude coordinates (as a convenient way of transferring geographic data), maps should not be generated using these spherical coordinates as they are unprojected, resulting in a map that is distorted (see Figure 3.1). Users can convert the latitude/longitude coordinates to the desired map projection(s) using their geographic information system software. Users should also be aware that different spatial datasets can be in the same coordinate system or projection but not in the same datum, in which case the data will not be spatially coincident. Data overlay discrepancies will occur if spatial data from the 2006 Census, which are based on NAD83, are overlaid with data based on NAD27.
Figure 3.1
Example of a map projection and unprojected coordinates
Boundary Files, 2006 Census
There are two types of boundary files: digital and cartographic. Digital files depict the full extent of the geographical areas, including the coastal water area. Cartographic files depict the geographical areas using only the major land mass of Canada and its coastal islands. Figure 3.2 shows an example of Digital and Cartographic Boundary Files. The files provide a framework for mapping and spatial analysis using commercially available geographic information systems or other mapping software. They are positionally consistent with the 2006 Road Network File and 2006 Road Network and Geographic Attribute File, which can provide additional geographic context for mapping applications.
A reference guide is available (Catalogue no. 92-160-GIE, GWE).
Coordinates: Latitude/longitude and are based on the North
American Datum of 1983 (NAD83).
Format: ArcInfo® (.SHP), Geography Markup
Language (.GML), and MapInfo® (.TAB) (software not included).
Figure 3.2
Example of cartographic and digital boundary files (provinces and territories), 2006 Census
Note: The Geography Markup Language (GML) is an XML encoding for the modelling, transport and storage of geographic information including both the spatial and non-spatial properties of geographic features. This specification defines the XML Schema syntax, mechanisms, and conventions that:
- Provide an open, vendor-neutral framework for the definition of geospatial application schemas and objects
- Allow profiles that support proper subsets of GML framework descriptive capabilities
- Support the description of geospatial application schemas for specialized domains and information communities
- Enable the creation and maintenance of linked geographic application schemas and datasets
- Support the storage and transport of application schemas and datasets
- Increase the ability of organizations to share geographic application schemas and the information they describe.
Price note: Prices and catalogue numbers vary by type of geographic boundary. Custom orders are available on request. Contact us through the National inquiries line at 1-800-263-1136, by e-mail at infostats@statcan.gc.ca or visit our website at www.statcan.gc.ca.
Province and Territory Boundary Files
The Province and Territory Boundary Files portray the boundaries of the 10 provinces and three territories that make up Canada. Provinces and territories are the major political units of Canada. The Province and Territory Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
Census Division Boundary Files
The Census Division Boundary Files portray the census division boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. A census division is a unit of regional government (such as a county or regional district) or an area treated as equivalent for statistical purposes. A census division is usually made up of a number of adjacent municipalities. The files contain the boundaries of all 288 census divisions which combined cover all of Canada. The Census Division Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
Census Consolidated Subdivision Boundary Files
The Census Consolidated Subdivision Boundary Files portray the census consolidated subdivision boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. A census consolidated subdivision is a grouping of adjacent census subdivisions (municipalities) used primarily for disseminating Census of Agriculture data. The files contain the boundaries of all 2,341 census consolidated subdivisions which combined cover all of Canada. The Census Consolidated Subdivision Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
Census Subdivision Boundary Files
The Census Subdivision Boundary Files portray the census subdivision boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. A census subdivision is a municipality or an area treated as equivalent to a municipality for statistical purposes (for example, Indian reserves and unorganized territories). The files contain the boundaries of all 5,418 census subdivisions which combined cover all of Canada. The Census Subdivision Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
The 2008 Census Subdivision Boundary File contains the boundaries of all 5,405 census subdivisions which combined cover all of Canada. The 2008 Census Subdivision Boundary File does not replace the 2006 Census Subdivision Boundary File, which is a similar product available as part of the 2006 suite of Geography products, and used in conjunction with products and services from the 2006 Census. The 2008 Census Subdivision Boundary File is available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-162-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 22 May 2008 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-162-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 22 May 2008 |
Economic Region Boundary Files
The Economic Region Boundary Files portray the economic region boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. An economic region is a grouping of complete census divisions (with one exception in Ontario) created as a standard geographic unit for analysis of regional economic activity. The files contain the boundaries of all 76 economic regions which combined cover all of Canada. The Economic Region Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
Census Metropolitan Area and Census Agglomeration Boundary Files
The Census Metropolitan Area and Census Agglomeration Boundary Files portray the boundaries of the 33 census metropolitan areas and 111 census agglomerations for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. Census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations consist of one or more adjacent municipalities (census subdivisions) around an urban core. To form a census metropolitan area, the urban core must have a population of at least 50,000 and the entire census metropolitan area must have a total population of at least 100,000. To form a census agglomeration, the urban core must have a population of at least 10,000. The files contain the boundaries of all 144 census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations defined for the 2006 Census. The Census Metropolitan Area and Census Agglomeration Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 18 October 2006 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-160-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 18 October 2006 |
Federal Electoral District Boundary Files (2003 Representation Order)
The Federal Electoral District Boundary Files portray the federal electoral district boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. A federal electoral district is an area represented by a Member of the House of Commons. The federal electoral district boundaries used for the 2006 Census are based on the 2003 Representation Order. The files contain the boundaries of all 308 federal electoral districts which combined cover all of Canada. The Federal Electoral District Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of boundary file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-171-XWE | Internet | English | $110 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-171-XWF | Internet | French | $110 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-171-XWE | Internet | English | $110 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-171-XWF | Internet | French | $110 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-171-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $110 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-171-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $110 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-171-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $110 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-171-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $110 | 14 February 2007 |
Census Tract Boundary Files
The Census Tract Boundary Files portray the census tract boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. Census tracts are small, relatively stable geographic areas that usually have a population of 2,500 to 8,000. They are located in census metropolitan areas and in census agglomerations with an urban core population of 50,000 or more in the previous census. The files contain the boundaries of all 5,076 census tracts located within the 33 census metropolitan areas and 15 census agglomerations for which census tracts are delineated. The Census Tract Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of boundary file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-168-XWE | Internet | English | $1,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-168-XWF | Internet | French | $1,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-168-XWE | Internet | English | $1,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-168-XWF | Internet | French | $1,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-168-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $1,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-168-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $1,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-168-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $1,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-168-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $1,000 | 14 February 2007 |
Designated Place Boundary Files
The Designated Place Boundary Files portray the designated place boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. A designated place is normally a small community or settlement that does not meet the criteria established by Statistics Canada to be a census subdivision (an area with municipal status) or an urban area. Designated places are created by provinces and territories, in cooperation with Statistics Canada, to provide data for sub-municipal areas. The files contain the boundaries of all 1,289 designated places defined for the 2006 Census. The Designated Place Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-165-XWE | Internet | English | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-165-XWF | Internet | French | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-165-XWE | Internet | English | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-165-XWF | Internet | French | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-165-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-165-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-165-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-165-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
Urban Area Boundary Files
The Urban Area Boundary Files portray the urban area boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. An urban area has a minimum population concentration of 1,000 persons and a population density of at least 400 persons per square kilometre, based on the current census population count. The files contain the boundaries of all 895 urban areas defined for the 2006 Census. The Urban Area Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-164-XWE | Internet | English | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-164-XWF | Internet | French | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-164-XWE | Internet | English | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-164-XWF | Internet | French | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-164-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-164-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-164-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-164-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $110 | 13 March 2007 |
Dissemination Area Boundary Files
The Dissemination Area Boundary Files portray the dissemination area boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. A dissemination area is a small area composed of one or more neighbouring blocks and is the smallest standard geographic area for which all census data are disseminated. The files contain the boundaries of all 54,626 dissemination areas which combined cover all of Canada. The Dissemination Area Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-169-XWE | Internet | English | $110 - $10,900 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-169-XWF | Internet | French | $110 - $10,900 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-169-XWE | Internet | English | $110 - $10,900 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-169-XWF | Internet | French | $110 - $10,900 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-169-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $110 - $10,900 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-169-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $110 - $10,900 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-169-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $110 - $10,900 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-169-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $110 - $10,900 | 14 February 2007 |
Table 3.1
Prices for Dissemination area boundary files available for Canada, provinces and territories
Dissemination Block Boundary Files
The Dissemination Block Boundary Files portray the dissemination block boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. A dissemination block is an area bounded on all sides by roads and/or boundaries of standard geographic areas and is the smallest geographic area for which population and dwelling count data are disseminated. The files contain the boundaries of all 478,831 dissemination blocks which combined cover all of Canada. The Dissemination Block Boundary Files are available as a standard package for Canada.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-163-XWE | Internet | English | $120 - $12,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-163-XWF | Internet | French | $120 - $12,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-163-XWE | Internet | English | $120 - $12,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-163-XWF | Internet | French | $120 - $12,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-163-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $120 - $12,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-163-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $120 - $12,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-163-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $120 - $12,000 | 14 February 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-163-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $120 - $12,000 | 14 February 2007 |
Table 3.2
Prices for Dissemination block boundary files available for Canada, provinces and territories
Census Forward Sortation Area Boundary File
The 2006 Census Forward Sortation Area Boundary File is available as a standard package for Canada. They depict forward sortation area boundaries used for 2006 Census dissemination, which are derived from postal codes captured from the 2006 Census questionnaires. Through analysis of the postal codes reported by census households, a single forward sortation area is assigned to each dissemination block (most often the forward sortation area reported by the largest number of census households). Forward sortation area polygons are formed by grouping dissemination blocks. Therefore, the census-based forward sortation area boundaries are not equivalent to forward sortation area boundaries in use by Canada Post, but are representations created from dissemination blocks.
| Type of file | Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Boundary File | 92-170-XWE | Internet | English | $445 | 12 July 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-170-XWF | Internet | French | $445 | 12 July 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-170-XWE | Internet | English | $445 | 12 July 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-170-XWF | Internet | French | $445 | 12 July 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-170-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $445 | 12 July 2007 |
| Digital Boundary File | 92-170-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $445 | 12 July 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-170-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $445 | 12 July 2007 |
| Cartographic Boundary File | 92-170-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $445 | 12 July 2007 |
Population Ecumene Census Division Cartographic Boundary File
This file contains a generalised population ecumene based on census population density data with at least one ecumene polygon for every census division. It can be used to produce small-scale thematic maps of statistical data.
A reference guide is available for the Population Ecumene Census Division Cartographic Boundary File (Catalogue no. 92-159-GIE, GWE).
A working paper titled The Population Ecumene of Canada: Exploring the Past and Present (Catalogue no. 92F0138MWE2008003, 92F0138MIE2008003) is available in spring 2008.
The Population Ecumene Census Division Cartographic Boundary File is available on the Statistics Canada website (www.statcan.gc.ca).
Coordinates: Latitude/longitude (NAD83).
Format: ArcInfo® (.SHP), Geography Markup Language (.GML) and MapInfo® (.TAB).
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-159-XWE | Internet | English | Free | 13 March 2007 |
| 92-159-XWF | Internet | French | Free | 13 March 2007 |
Figure 3.3
Population Ecumene Census Division Boundary File, 2006 Census
Road Network File
The Road Network File is a digital representation of Canada's national road network, containing information such as street names, type, direction and address ranges. This unrestricted-use file is available as a free download.
User applications of this file may include mapping, geocoding, geographic searching, area delineation, and database maintenance as a source for street names and locations. Since statistical activities do not require absolute positional accuracy, relative positional accuracy takes precedence in the Road Network File. As a result, this file is not suitable for engineering applications, emergency dispatching services, surveying or legal applications.
A reference guide is included (Catalogue no. 92-500-GIE, GWE).
Coordinates: Latitude/longitude (NAD83)
Format: The Road Network File is available for Canada
and individual provinces and territories in three formats:
ArcInfo® (.SHP), Geography Markup Language (.GML) and
MapInfo® (.TAB).
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-500-XWE2008001 | Internet | English | Free | 26 May 2008 |
| 92-500-XWF2008001 | Internet | French | Free | 26 May 2008 |
| 92-500-XWE2007001 | Internet | English | Free | 22 November 2007 |
| 92-500-XWF2007001 | Internet | French | Free | 22 November 2007 |
Road Network and Geographic Attribute File
The Road Network and Geographic Attribute File is a digital representation of Canada's national road network, containing information such as street name, type, direction, address range and road rank. Address ranges are largely dwelling-based and occur mainly in urban centres of Canada. Also included on each side of every road arc are identification names and codes for the following levels of geography:
- province/territory
- census subdivision
- census metropolitan area
- census agglomeration
- census tract.
Roads are ranked according to four levels of detail, suitable for mapping at small to medium scales. The Road Network and Geographic Attribute File provides cartographic reference features in the production of thematic maps using the 2006 Census Boundary Files. The positional accuracy of the Road Network and Geographic Attribute File does not support cadastral, surveying, digitizing or engineering applications.
The Road Network and Geographic Attribute File is in latitude/longitude coordinates based upon the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). A reference guide is available (Catalogue no. 92-155-GIE, GWE).
Coordinates: Latitude/longitude (NAD83).
Format: ArcInfo® (.SHP), Geography Markup
Language (.GML) and MapInfo® (.TAB) (software not included).
| Catalogue no. | Medium | Language | Price | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-155-XWE | Internet | English | $110 - $2,500 | 13 March 2007 |
| 92-155-XWF | Internet | French | $110 - $2,500 | 13 March 2007 |
| 92-155-XCE | CD-ROM | English | $110 - $2,500 | 13 March 2007 |
| 92-155-XCF | CD-ROM | French | $110 - $2,500 | 13 March 2007 |
Figure 3.4
Part of Road Network and Geographic Attribute File, showing southern Alberta road ranks 1, 2 and 3 only
Prices for Road Network and Geographic Attribute Files available for Canada, provinces and territories
2009-03-16