This dataset comprises a map of inland water bodies in Canada and neighboring regions, as described by Ghayourmanesh et al. (2024). The data are mapped using the Lambert Conformal Conic (LCC) geographic projection with a spatial resolution of 250 meters. The LCC projection is frequently used as a standard projection at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) (Trishchenko et al., 2016, Trishchenko, 2019). Each pixel value represents a code describing either the probability of inland water presence or land/ocean(sea) mask

Contained within the 4th Edition (1974) of the Atlas of Canada is a map that shows the area of fresh water. It is split into squares that have the percentage of total fresh water. Each square covers an area of 10,000 square kilometers. According to the map, fresh water bodies occupy 7.9% of the area of Canada.

There are two types of boundary files: cartographic and digital. Cartographic boundary files portray the geographic areas using only the major land mass of Canada and its coastal islands. Digital boundary files portray the full extent of the geographic areas, including the coastal water area.

The Atlas of Canada National Scale Data 1:1,000,000 Series consists of boundary, coast, island, place name, railway, river, road, road ferry and waterbody data sets that were compiled to be used for atlas large scale (1:1,000,000 to 1:4,000,000) mapping. These data sets have been integrated so that their relative positions are cartographically correct. Any data outside of Canada included in the data sets is strictly to complete the context of the data.

Water files are provided for the mapping of inland and coastal waters, Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. These files were created to be used in conjunction with the boundary files.

The map title is Cowichan Valley. Tactile map scale. 1.8 centimetres = 10 kilometres North arrow. Region includes Nanaimo, Cowichan Lake, Duncan, Sydney. Trans-Canada Highway, route 1 and route 18. Airport in Nanaimo. Bus Terminals. Bodies of water, Strait of Georgia. Tactile maps are designed with Braille, large text, and raised features for visually impaired and low vision users. The Tactile Maps of Canada collection includes: (a) Maps for Education: tactile maps showing the general geography of Canada, including the Tactile Atlas of Canada (maps of the provinces and territories showing political boundaries, lakes, rivers and major cities), and the Thematic Tactile Atlas of Canada (maps showing climatic regions, relief, forest types, physiographic regions, rock types, soil types, and vegetation). (b) Maps for Mobility: to help visually impaired persons navigate spaces and routes in major cities by providing information about streets, buildings and other features of a travel route in the downtown area of a city. (c) Maps for Transportation and Tourism: to assist visually impaired persons in planning travel to new destinations in Canada, showing how to get to a city, and streets in the downtown area.

This dataset provides 1) a conservative open water mask for future water surface elevation (WSE) extraction from the co-registered AirSWOT Ka-band interferometry data, and 2) high-resolution (1 m) water body distribution maps for water bodies greater than 40 m2 along the NASA Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) foundational flight lines. The masks and maps were derived from georeferenced three-band orthomosaics generated from individual images collected during the flights and a semi-automated water classification algorithm based on the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI). In total, 3,167 km2 of open water were mapped from 23,380 km2 of flight lines spanning 23 degrees of latitude. Detected water body sizes range from 40 m2 to 15 km2. The image tiles were georeferenced using manually selected ground control points (GCPs). Comparison with manually digitized open water boundaries yields an overall open-water classification accuracy of 98.0%.

The plate contains four maps showing the mean river freeze-over date, the mean lake freeze-over date, the mean river ice-free date and the mean lake ice free date. The four maps depict, in a general way, the average dates on which freshwater bodies in Canada become completely ice-covered in the fall, and become completely ice-free in the spring. The formation of an ice cover on a water body is called freeze-up; and the melting and dissipation of this ice cover is called break-up. Freeze-up begins when surface water is cooled to 0 degrees Celsius and ice crystals begin to form; it ends when the water body has attained its maximum ice coverage. Most lakes freeze over completely; rivers may or may not, depending on their location, size, and flow characteristics. The final stage of the freeze-up process may be termed "freeze-over". Break-up normally begins when air temperatures rise above 0 degrees Celsius, and when surface and internal melting of the ice sheet begins. The process is aided by the action of winds and currents, which results in mechanical breaking of the ice. Break-up ends when the water body becomes completely clear of all ice. Many rivers and lakes in the Arctic region, however, may never become completely ice free because of the shortness of the melting season. In general, rivers freeze over later and clear earlier than lakes in the same area. This is due to the effect of river currents, which retard freezing in the fall and aid the breaking up of the ice in spring.

The map title is Bowen Island. Tactile map scale. 1.8 centimetres = 5 kilometres North arrow. Bowen Island and surrounding region of Vancouver. Main roads. Airport. Train Station, Bus Terminal. Bodies of water, Strait of Georgia. Tactile maps are designed with Braille, large text, and raised features for visually impaired and low vision users. The Tactile Maps of Canada collection includes: (a) Maps for Education: tactile maps showing the general geography of Canada, including the Tactile Atlas of Canada (maps of the provinces and territories showing political boundaries, lakes, rivers and major cities), and the Thematic Tactile Atlas of Canada (maps showing climatic regions, relief, forest types, physiographic regions, rock types, soil types, and vegetation). (b) Maps for Mobility: to help visually impaired persons navigate spaces and routes in major cities by providing information about streets, buildings and other features of a travel route in the downtown area of a city. (c) Maps for Transportation and Tourism: to assist visually impaired persons in planning travel to new destinations in Canada, showing how to get to a city, and streets in the downtown area.

Contained within the 2nd Edition (1915) of the Atlas of Canada is a map that shows the mineralogy and locations of mineral deposits for Western Canada. A line drawn across the map divides the large northern portion that that has had little prospecting, except along the valleys of the principal rivers, and the Southern, partly prospected areas. Many mining districts are named on the map, and different symbols indicate which type of mineral are located in a specific location. The map includes major cities, rivers, major bodies of water, and some railway networks crossing into the U.S.

Contained within the 1st Edition (1906) of the Atlas of Canada is a map that shows the mineralogy and locations of mineral deposits for Western Canada circa 1906. A line drawn across the map indicates where the Northern, large portion of the Dominion is virtually unprosecuted except along the valleys of the principal rivers, including the Southern, partly prospected areas. Different symbols indicate which type of mineral is located in a specific location. The map includes major cities, rivers, major bodies of water, and some railway systems.

The Nova Scotia Lake Survey program is a partnership initiative between the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to inventory lakes throughout the province determining baseline water quality, in support of both sport fisheries and water resource management areas.

The following weblink connects to a Department of Environment and Climate Change web map that includes the locations of the monitored lakes within the province and an alternative method for downloading the same lake chemistry dataset: http://nse.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7ded7a30bef44f848e8a4fc8672c89bd"

Contained within the 2nd Edition (1915) of the Atlas of Canada, is a map that shows the northern limits of approximately 40 different tree species in Canada, including an extension into the Northern U.S. Red, green and blue lines delineate the limits of the trees and forests. The map also includes rivers, major bodies of water, and the specific locations of several tree types.

Contained within the 1st Edition (1906) of the Atlas of Canada is a map that shows the telegraph network for British Columbia, Yukon and Alberta. Two or more lines may follow the same route, but only one line is indicated on the map. Therefore, well-settled portions of the country may have two or three telegraph lines serving the principal towns along each route indicated. It shows the shore portions of various cable lines along the Pacific coast of Canada, and a couple running underwater. Most telegraph lines follow alongside railway lines. The Yukon is separate, being displayed at the top right of the map in a magnified boundary. The map includes provinces, major cities, counties, rivers, major bodies of water the railway systems. The map also displays part of the rectangular survey system which records the land that is available to the public. This grid like system is divided into sections, townships, range, and meridian from mid-Manitoba to Alberta.

Contained within the 2nd Edition (1915) of the Atlas of Canada, is a map that shows the extent of forested regions, using various colouring, in Canada. These regions include the Southern forest, Northern forest, and the Cordilleran forest. The map presents general portions of forested areas across the country which has been generally cleared of timber. Displayed is the section of Northern Forest that are less densely wooded; mixed prairie and woodland; prairie and outliers. There are also lists, by province, of the principal trees in Canada, in addition to notes of when distribution is confined to a comparatively small portion of the area of the province. The map also includes major cities, rivers, major bodies of water, and some railway systems that extend into the U.S.

Group Layer developed by the International Joint Commission of Canada and the U.S. In the United States, Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires that states and territories develop water quality standards for all waters in their jurisdiction. Tribes may also establish water quality standards under Section 303(d). Waters that are too polluted or otherwise degraded to support their potential or existing uses are added to the 303(d) list of impaired waters and prioritized. States create a restoration plan known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for each impairment in each water body. Waters that have a TMDL for all impairments are removed from the 303(d) list. These layers are filtered to display water bodies where 'Metals Other Than Mercury' and 'Mercury' have been identified as either the cause of impairment or as contributing to observed effects. The USA Impaired or Threatened Waterbodies layers include all water bodies listed with impairments under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Dataset Summary Phenomenon Mapped: Impaired waters and total maximum daily loads. Geographic Extent: 50 United States plus island territories. Projection: Web Mercator Auxiliary Sphere Source: EPA Clean Water Act Section 303(d): Impaired Waters and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) Update Frequency: 2 years Data Vintage: January 17, 2025 Publication Date: July 2025 What can you do with this layer? These layers highlight water bodies impaired by heavy metals. These locations can be visualized on the map, and details about their impact on human activities and the environment are available in the attribute table.

Contained within the 1st Edition (1906) of the Atlas of Canada is a map that shows the extent of forested regions, using tints of green, in Canada circa 1906. These regions include the Southern forest, Northern forest, and the Cordilleran forest. The map presents general portions of forested areas across the country which has been generally cleared of timber. Displayed is the section of Northern Forest that are less densely wooded; mixed prairie and woodland; Prairie; National Parks and Forest Reserves of the Dominion. There are also lists, by province, of the principal trees of Canada, in addition to notes of when distribution is confined to a comparatively small portion of the area of the province. The map also includes major cities, rivers, major bodies of water, and some railway systems.

Explore a Web map showing more than 3,500 underwater features in Canada!The Canadian Geographical Names Database (CGNDB) is a database of Canada's geographic names, maintained by the secretariat of the Geographical Names Board of Canada, as part of Natural Resources Canada. The geographical extent of this dataset is the Canadian landmass and water bodies, and the temporal extent is 1987 to present. Data courtesy of:The Canadian Geographical Names Database (CGNDB)Natural Resources CanadaThe Canadian Hydrographic ServiceGeoGratisAnswer the following questions:

What is the definition of a ‘Pingo’ geological feature? How are they formed? How do you think these objects in the water affect sea travel and transportation? If you were planning a boat voyage around the coast of Newfoundland, what kind of considerations would you have to make? Could you stay close to the shore? Visit this URL, and explain the process of naming a geographic feature in Canada: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/geography/place-names/about-geographical-names-board-canada/9178

Note: You may refer to the resources above to gain a deeper understanding of Canada's naming conventions for geographic features and to help you answer the questions listed above.

Learning Outcomes:

Rocks and minerals have unique characteristics and properties that are result of how they were formed

 (British Columbia – Grade 11 Science; Alberta – Grade 3 Science; Saskatchewan
 – Grade 12 Science; Manitoba – Grade 8 Science; Ontario – Grade 10 Science;
 New Brunswick – Grade 11 Physical Geography; Newfoundland and Labrador –
 Grade 11 Science; Nova Scotia – Grade 11 Science, Grade 12 Geology; Prince
 Edward Island – Grade 11 Science; Northwest Territories – Grade 8 Science;
 Yukon – Grade 11 Science)

Understanding Earth and Space Systems – Rocks and Minerals & Water Systems

 (Alberta – Grade 8 Science; Saskatchewan – Grade 9 Science; Ontario – Grade
 4 Science; Quebec – Grade 10 Science; New Brunswick – Grade 11 Physical Geography;
 Newfoundland and Labrador – Grade 11 Science; Nova Scotia – Grade 11
 Science, Grade 12 Geology, Prince Edward Island – Grade 11 Science;
 Northwest Territories – Grade 8 Science; Yukon – Grade 11 Science)

Curriculum Connections:

Province/Territory

Grade

 Subject

Alberta

8

 Science

British Columbia

11

 Science

Manitoba

8

 Science

New Brunswick

11

 Physical Geography

Newfoundland and Labrador

11

 Science

Northwest Territories

8

 Science

Nova Scotia

12

 Geology

Ontario

10

 Science

Prince Edward Island

11

 Science

Quebec

10

Science

Saskatchewan

12

 Science

Yukon

11

 Science

These rasters provide the local mean annual extreme low temperature from 1976 to 2005 in an 800m x 800m grid covering the USA (including Puerto Rico) based on interpolation of data from more than a thousand weather stations. Each location's Plant Hardiness Zone is calculated based on classifying that temperature into 5 degree bands. The classified rasters are then used to create print and interactive maps. A complex algorithm was used for this edition of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) to enable more accurate interpolation between weather reporting stations. This new method takes into account factors such as elevation changes and proximity to bodies of water, which enabled mapping of more accurate zones.Temperature station data for this edition of the USDA PHZM came from several different sources. In the eastern and central United States, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii, nearly all the data came from weather stations of the National Weather Service. In the western United States and Alaska, data from stations maintained by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Reclamation, and DOI Bureau of Land Management also helped to better define hardiness zones in mountainous areas. Environment Canada provided data from Canadian stations, and data from Mexican stations came from the Global Historical Climate Network.All of these data were carefully examined to ensure that only the most reliable were used in the mapping. In the end, data from a total of 7,983 stations were incorporated into the maps. The USDA PHZM was produced with the latest version of PRISM, a highly sophisticated climate mapping technology developed at Oregon State University. The map was produced from a digital computer grid, with each cell measuring about a half a mile on a side. PRISM estimated the mean annual extreme minimum temperature for each grid cell (or pixel on the map) by examining data from nearby stations; determining how the temperature changed with elevation; and accounting for possible coastal effects, temperature inversions, and the type of topography (ridge top, hill slope, or valley bottom).Information on PRISM can be obtained from the PRISM Climate Group website (http://prism.oregonstate.edu).Once a draft of the map was completed, it was reviewed by a team of climatologists, agricultural meteorologists, and horticultural experts. If the zone for an area appeared anomalous to these expert reviewers, experts doublechecked for errors or biases.For example, zones along the Canadian border in the Northern Plains initially appeared slightly too warm to several members of the review team who are experts in this region. It was found that there were very few weather reporting stations along the border in the United States in that area. Data from Canadian reporting stations were added, and the zones in that region are now more accurately represented. In another example, a reviewer noted that areas along the relatively mild New Jersey coastline that were distant from observing stations appeared to be too cold. This was remedied by increasing the PRISM algorithm’s sensitivity to coastal proximity, resulting in a mild coastal strip that is more consistently delineated up and down along the shoreline.On the other hand, a reviewer familiar with Maryland’s Eastern Shore thought the zones there seemed too warm. The data were doublechecked and no biases were found; the zone designations remained unchanged.The zones in this edition were calculated based on 1976-2005 temperature data. Each zone represents the average annual extreme minimum temperature for an area, reflecting the temperatures recorded for each of the years 1976-2005. This does not represent the coldest it has ever been or ever will be in an area, but it reflects the average lowest winter temperature for a given geographic area for this time period. This average value became the standard for assigning zones in the 1960s. The previous edition of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which was revised and published in 1990, was drawn from weather data from 1974 to 1986.A detailed explanation of the mapmaking process and a discussion of the horticultural applications of the new PHZM are available from the articles listed below.Daly, C., M.P. Widrlechner, M.D. Halbleib, J.I. Smith, and W.P. Gibson. 2012. Development of a new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the United States. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology, 51: 242-264. Link to articleWidrlechner, M.P., C. Daly, M. Keller, and K. Kaplan. 2012. Horticultural Applications of a Newly Revised USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. HortTechnology, 22: 6-19. Link to article

The hydrographic features of the CanVec series include watercourses, water linear flow segments, hydrographic obstacles (falls, rapids, etc.), waterbodies (lakes, watercourses, etc.), permanent snow and ice features, water wells and springs. The Hydrographic features theme provides quality vector geospatial data (current, accurate, and consistent) of Canadian hydrographic phenomena. It aims to offer a geometric description and a set of basic attributes on hydrographic features that comply with international geomatics standards, seamlessly across Canada. The CanVec multiscale series is available as prepackaged downloadable files and by user-defined extent via a Geospatial data extraction tool. Related Products: Topographic Data of Canada - CanVec Series