2006 Census geography products and services line

Geography is an integral part of the national statistical program. Well-defined geographic areas provide the framework for the collection, presentation and analysis of census data. The 2006 Census geography products and services line includes improvements to existing products, the introduction of new products and a greater presence on the Statistics Canada website.

The following section briefly describes 2006 Census geography products and services.

Geographic reference products

A wide variety of geographic reference material is available to help users understand and use geography products, data and concepts. These include a catalogue of geography products and services, reference guides, maps and geography working papers.

• Geography catalogue

  The Geography catalogue gives detailed information about geography products and services. This product is available for free to all users on the Internet.

• Reference guides

  Most geography products are accompanied by comprehensive reference guides that explain their content and application. They also incorporate data quality statements, record layouts and other information. Geography reference guides are available for free to all users on the Internet.

• Reference maps

  Over 10,000 reference maps were produced for the 2006 Census. They show the geographic areas for which census data are tabulated and disseminated. The maps display the boundaries, names and codes of standard geographic areas, and present major cultural and physical features, such as roads, railroads, coastlines, rivers and lakes. These maps are available for census metropolitan areas, census agglomerations, economic regions, census divisions, census subdivisions, census tracts, dissemination areas and statistical area classifications.

  All maps are available for free to users on the Internet in PDF format. Other delivery methods consist of a ‘print on demand' service available for a fee (minimum $128) or a DVD available for purchase for $275 with the maps as PDF files.

  

  Example of a reference map

• Thematic maps

  A thematic map shows the spatial distribution of one or more data themes. They may be qualitative (e.g., different types of farms) or quantitative (e.g., median age) in nature. Some maps are animated and depict change over time.

  Thematic maps are available for Canada, provinces and territories, regions, census metropolitan areas and selected census subdivisions. They display data at the census metropolitan area, census agglomeration, census division, census subdivision and census tract levels. This product is available free to all users on the Internet.

  

  Example of a thematic map
• 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 that supports the development and dissemination of geography data, products and services. The working papers are available for free to all users on the Internet.

• Illustrated glossary

  This reference product provides an understanding of the terms related to geographic concepts and products and services as well as links to online tutorials and detailed definitions. The Illustrated glossary is available for free to all users on the Internet.

• Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status and Names

  This annual report presents a summary of changes to municipal boundaries, status and names that occurred during the previous year. It is available for free to all users on the Internet.

• Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) Volume I. The Classification

  This document contains reference and classification information about Standard Geographic Classification (SGC) units, related areas that are based on the SGC and an alphabetical list of place names. It also informs on changes to the SGC from 2001 to 2006. This product is available for free to all users on the Internet.

• Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) Volume II. Reference Maps

  Volume II comprises 2006 reference maps for the standard geographic areas described in Volume I. While available for free online, the print version of this product costs $135.

Geographic data products

• GeoSearch2006

  GeoSearch2006 is a free online interactive mapping application from which basic census data for many places in Canada can be obtained. Once the user selects an individual geographic area by place name, street name, street intersection, postal code or clicks and zooms on a map of Canada, GeoSearch2006 displays the related map showing boundaries and other features. Population and dwelling counts for the requested area are presented along with the hierarchical relationship to other levels of geography.

  For 2006, new functionalities include links to 2006 Census reference maps, to census Internet tables, and to a thematic mapping option for selected topics and levels of geography.

  

  Example of a GeoSearch map

• GeoSuite

  GeoSuite permits users to extract geographic codes, names, co-ordinates, and population and dwelling counts at standard levels of census geography and to understand the relationships between them. GeoSuite also contains a listing of reference maps at the dissemination area level and allows the user to search more easily for the areas of interest. New for 2006 is the ability to download a version of GeoSuite directly from the Internet. The price for this product is $65.

• Geographic Attribute File

  Reintroduced in 2006, the Geographic Attribute File contains the population and private dwelling counts for dissemination blocks. The file also identifies the codes and names of higher levels of geography to enable users to better understand their relationships. It is available for $65 on the Internet.

Spatial information products

• Road Network File

  The Road Network File is a digital representation of Canada's national road network, containing information such as street names, types, directions and address ranges. It is available for free to all users on the Internet.

• Road Network and Geographic Attribute File

  The Road Network and Geographic Attribute File replaces the 2001 Skeletal Road Network File. Both are a digital representation of Canada's national road network and comprise information such as street names, types, directions, address ranges and road ranks. However, the Road Network and Geographic Attribute File also includes names and codes for provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas, census agglomerations, census subdivisions and census tracts. The price for this product ranges from $110 to $2,500.

• Boundary files

  Cartographic boundary files illustrate geographic attributes like shorelines of the landmass and major islands of Canada. A cartographic boundary file permits users to create a framework for mapping and makes it possible to run spatial analysis on different levels of geography. Digital boundary files display the full extent of geographic areas, including the coastal water area. These files provide a framework for mapping and spatial analysis but are less suitable when a realistic shoreline is required.

  Boundary files for provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas, census agglomerations, census divisions, census consolidated subdivisions, census subdivisions and economic regions are available for free to all users on the Internet. Other geographic levels (i.e., federal electoral districts, urban areas, designated places, forward sortation areas, census tracts, dissemination areas and dissemination blocks) cost from $110 to $12,000.

Attribute information products and geographic services

• Postal Code Conversion File and Postal Codes by Federal Ridings File

  The Postal Code Conversion File is used to link six-digit postal codes to standard 2006 Census geographic areas. This linkage permits users to obtain statistical data for geographic areas delimited by postal code. The Postal Code Conversion File also gives the user the longitude and latitude co-ordinates corresponding to each postal code. Similarly, the Postal Codes by Federal Ridings File is used to link postal codes with Canada's federal electoral districts (2003 Representation Order). These files cost from $220 to $10,000.

• Geographic services

  Geographic services are composed of three custom services. A custom area creation service (geocoding) allows users to define their own geographic areas when the standard levels of geography do not meet their requirements (minimum cost is $384). Mapping services are available to create custom thematic or reference maps (minimum cost is $384). Lastly, custom products are derived from geographic files based on user-defined requirements (minimum cost is $128).