Topographic maps, produced by Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN), are available as a web map service (WMS) or as static files in vector and raster formats. NRCan topographic maps represent the Earth's features accurately and to scale on a two-dimensional surface and are used for a wide variety of applications. Below are descriptions of the topographic map products offered by NRCAN and information about the use and acquisition of topographic maps. To access the WMS or obtain files, select the links accompanying each description.
- Canada Base Map for Transportation (CBM-T) - WMS
CBM-T, developed by NRCan, is an online web map service that provides the user with a continuous interactive view of topographic data that covers the entire Canadian landmass. CBM-T integrates the best and most up to date data from available sources and displays this data in a representative (symbolic) manner to allow for easy identification.
Link: http://geogratis.gc.ca/geogratis/DevCorner?lang=en#aCBM_CBC
- Toporama - Digital Topographic Raster Maps
Toporama raster files are a topographic reference product produced by NRCan. These files are available covering the entire Canadian landmass at a scale of 1: 50 000. Toporama raster files integrates the best and most up to date data from available sources and displays this data in a representative (symbolic) manner allowing for easy identification. Format available: GeoTiff. Link: www.GeoGratis.gc.ca
- CanVec - Digital Topographic Vector Data
CanVec is a digital vector reference product produced by NRCan. CanVec originates from the best available data sources covering the entire Canadian landmass at a scale of 1: 50 000. CanVec offers quality topographic information as vector files that comply with international geomatics standards. CanVec data is used in the Toporama product. Formats available are: Shape, GML and FGDB. Link: www.GeoGratis.gc.ca
- CanMatrix - Digital Topographic Raster Maps
CanMatrix data was produced by scanning Federal government topographic maps at the scales of 1:50 000 and 1:250 000. Formats available are: “CanMatrix Print Ready" - PDF and Tiff, and "CanMatrix Georeferenced" - GeoTiff. Link: www.GeoGratis.gc.ca
- CanTopo - Digital Topographic Raster Maps
CanTopo is the new generation of topographic maps produced by NRCan. This digital cartographic product is available at a scale of 1:50 000 and originates from the best available data sources covering parts of the Canadian territory. Using the CanMatrix data in conjunction with more update CanTopo data provides a national coverage. Formats available are: PDF, Tiff, Geotiff, and GeoPDF. Link: www.GeoGratis.gc.ca
- National Topographic Data Base (NTDB) - Digital Topographic Vector Data
This collection is static now. Current users of the NTDB should plan to make the transition towards the CanVec product. The NTDB is a collection of digital vector data sets that cover the entire Canadian landmass at the scales of 1:50 000 and 1:250 000. NRCan has digitized and structured thousands of topographic maps, creating a complete and uniform product that can be highly useful in a broad range of industries. The NTDB includes features such as watercourses, urban areas, railways, roads, vegetation, and relief. Format available: Shape. Link: www.GeoGratis.gc.ca
- Vector Indexes of the National Topographic System of Canada
Topographic maps produced by NRCan conform to the National Topographic System (NTS) of Canada. Indexes are available in three standard scales: 1:1,000,000, 1:250,000 and 1:50,000. The area covered by a given mapsheet is determined by its latitude and longitude. 1:1,000,000 mapsheets are identified by a combination of three numbers (e.g. 098). 1:250,000 mapsheets are identified by a combination of numbers, and letters ranging from A through P (e.g. 098C). Sixteen smaller segments (1 to 16) form blocks used for 1:50,000 mapping (e.g. 098C03). Link: www.GeoGratis.gc.ca
- Index Maps of the National Topographic System of Canada - Raster Data
Topographic maps produced by NRCan conform to the National Topographic System (NTS) of Canada. They are available in two standard scales: 1:50,000 and 1:250,000. The area covered by a given mapsheet is determined by its latitude and longitude. Link: www.GeoGratis.gc.ca
Buying a Paper Topographic Map
Topographic maps produced by NRCan are available in two standard scales: 1:50 000 and 1:250 000. Purchase NTS maps, from any of over 900 map dealers across Canada, the United States and overseas.
Topo 101 - Topographic Maps, The Basics
Understand what topographic maps are and how to use them.