This section provides descriptions of possible framework data layers. While many of these layers are often available in different base map data sets, they may not be currently available in, or planned for addition to, GeoBase (those Geobase layers currently available are indicated below). Current framework data layers are available from the GeoBase Portal, described in Chapter 2 and other Internet portals, described in Chapter 3.

Alignment Layers: Horizontal and Vertical Control

Canadian Geodetic Network (part of GeoBase)

This layer normally includes the geodetic control points as well as the active control systems that allow observations to be related to geodetic reference systems as defined by those geodetic control points. Real-time and post-mission processing systems that link positioning systems to the Canadian Spatial Reference System (CSRS) are also included.

The horizontal and vertical location of these points is known to a high degree of accuracy, but they are not visible on imagery, unless targeted on the ground or symbolized on maps. Although you (and most other geospatial data users) may not directly use them, these points are fundamental to the correct positioning of the entire framework.

Data Alignment Layer (part of GeoBase)

These points are highly visible features such as the intersections of roads. They are known to a lesser degree of accuracy than the geodetic control points, but they are easy to identify on most maps and imagery. You can use these points to align data sets derived from base maps of different sources, vintages and scales.

Land Feature/Form Layers: Well defined and observable features

Roads (part of GeoBase)

Streets and numbered roads are normally included in this layer. In some areas, resource extraction roads may also be included in this layer.

Railroads

Both current and abandoned railway lines are normally included in this layer.

Transmission Systems

This layer normally consists of electricity transmission lines and pipelines that are visible features of the landscape and help to register other information.

Structures

This layer normally consists of significant man-made structures such as bridges, airport terminals, lighthouses, ferry terminals, ports and dams.

Hydrography (part of GeoBase)

This layer normally consists of rivers, lakes, glaciers, snowfields and coastlines. Both freshwater and marine features are usually included in this layer.

Elevation (part of GeoBase)

Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data that cover both terrestrial and marine areas are normally included in this layer.

Imagery (part of GeoBase)

This layer is visual reference imagery from aerial and satellite earth observation systems.

Conceptual Layers: Interpreted boundaries

These boundaries delineate a wide variety of jurisdictions and responsibilities. Boundaries included in the framework data are in general usage, or are of interest to multiple sectors of society.

International Boundaries (part of GeoBase)

The current international boundaries, including marine international boundaries, at national and regional resolutions.

Provincial Boundaries (part of GeoBase)

The current provincial and territorial boundaries at national and regional resolutions.

Electoral Districts

Federal and provincial electoral boundaries at national and regional resolutions.

Municipalities

Counties, regional municipalities, urban municipalities and/or rural municipalities at regional and national resolutions.

DND Properties

The external boundaries of the Department of National Defense (DND) properties at regional and national resolutions.

Indian Reserves (First Nations) (part of GeoBase)

The external boundaries of Indian Reserves (First Nations) at regional and national resolutions.

Crown Subdivisions

Original Crown subdivisions, including lots and concessions, sections and quarter sections and similar land parcel information at the regional resolution.

Parks

The boundaries of national and provincial parks at regional and national resolutions.

Ecological Units

At the national resolution, all five levels of the ecological framework (ecozones, ecoprovinces, ecoregions, ecodistricts and soil landscapes) for terrestrial areas, but currently only ecozones and ecoregions for marine areas.

Watersheds (part of GeoBase)

Watershed boundaries at national and regional resolutions. The national resolution is included down to the sub-sub-watershed level.

Toponymy (part of GeoBase)

The contents of the Canadian Geographic Names Database (CGNDB), which includes the names of municipalities, rivers and lakes, highway numbers, etc., are included as part of the conceptual framework for the country. Toponymy attached to other framework layers may be used to derive portions of this national toponymic data set.