About the maps
Volume II of the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) 2011 provides a series of reference maps that show the boundaries, names and SGC codes of all census divisions (CDs) and census subdivisions (CSDs) in Canada, in effect on January 1, 2011. It also provides the names, codes and areal extent of census metropolitan areas (CMAs), census agglomerations (CAs), census metropolitan influenced zones (MIZ) and economic regions (ERs). Definitions for these terms are found in Volume I of the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) 2011, Catalogue no. 12-571-X. Concordances between the 2011 classification and the 2006 classification as well as annual changes in the census subdivision names, types and codes are also available.
The maps in this volume are introduced by a set of four national maps, at a scale which permits Canada to fit on a single sheet (i.e., 1:7 500 000). Map A, illustrating the country's 293 census divisions, presents a numerical list of the census divisions by province and territory. Maps B shows the location (using dots) of the census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations of Canada and present a numerical and alphabetical list of CMAs and CAs by province and territory. This map is designed to give a general idea of where CMAs and CAs are situated within a province or territory, large dots designating CMAs and small dots designating CAs. Map C shows the Statistical Area Classification - Variant of SGC 2011. This map illustrates the spatial distribution of CSDs among CMAs, CAs and MIZs. Map D shows the census division and economic region boundaries and codes within each province and territory. This is accompanied by a legend which lists the ER names in ER code order within which are listed (numerically) their component census division codes and names.
The next set of maps, the Census divisions - Census subdivisions (CD-CSD) maps, illustrates the location of census divisions and census subdivisions and their SGC codes as well as the CSD names. This set begins with an index map, which shows the areas covered by each map. The index map covers all of Canada and is presented on a single sheet. It may be used as a quick reference to determine the correct map number(s) for the area(s) of interest. There are 23 CD-CSD maps for the 10 provinces and 3 territories. These maps include, where applicable, the boundaries and codes for CMAs and CAs, and on each map face, a list of the appropriate CD and CMA/CA names and codes (numerical and alphabetical order).
The maps were designed with the objective of permitting users to identify the general location, boundaries, names and codes of the geographic areas presented in Volume I of the SGC 2011. The maps are not intended to serve as detailed legal or cadastral representations of the geographic areas shown.
What's new?
The linking between maps is expanded for the 2011 version to include links from the Index map as well as links between National maps. The letters A-D (representing each National map) found on the top right of the National maps are links which provide the ability to navigate between National maps. The Index map has links to the 23 CD-CSD maps active from the List of maps as well as from the map numbers found within provinces and territories on the Index map. Where an inset exists on a map, a link is available.
The Statistical area classification map (map C) has undergone several changes. It has been renamed to Census metropolitan influenced zones (MIZs), census metropolitan areas (CMAs) and census agglomerations (CAs), Statistical Area Classification, Standard Geographical Classification, 2011. Within this map, census agglomeration, tracted and census agglomeration, non-tracted are now represented as census agglomeration. This map is now consistent with the Statistical Area Classification - Variant of SGC 2011.
The National Hydro Network (GeoBase®) has been updated in the province of British Columbia. As a result, users may notice differences in the geometry of the 2011 hydrography network in British Columbia compared to the 2006 hydrography network in British Columbia.
For the 2011 version, the following provincially/locally-sourced data were used for geometric realignment: British Columbia Digital Road Atlas, Ontario Road Network (ORN) in six regions in Ontario (City of Ottawa, Regional Municipality of Peel, City of Toronto, Regional Municipality of Halton, City of Hamilton, and Regional Municipality of Waterloo). Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut now contain territory-sourced data. The result of this effort is improved geometric accuracy.
Technical information and data sources
The following are key technical points relating to the production of the maps:
- The vector base map information (e.g., shorelines, rivers, and lakes) were taken from the National Geographic Database, version 2 (NGD v.2) and the National Hydro Network of GeoBase® for British Columbia. United States political boundaries, state names and other international features were taken from the North American Atlas, which is available on the GeoGratis website. The map series is represented in Lambert conformal conic projection. The standard parallels, central meridians and latitudes of origin are specific to each province and territory. The latitude/longitude graticule was generated using ArcGIS®.
- Geographic boundaries, names, types and codes were obtained from the June 2011 Statistics Canada Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI). The reference date for all geographic areas is January 1, 2011. This database contains attribute information for all standard geographic areas, including the relationships among areas. The naming of CSDs is a provincial/territorial responsibility. River and lake names were taken from the Canadian Geographical Names Data Base (CGNDB). Names of geographic entities having 'pan-Canadian' significance, established by the Geographical Names Board of Canada (GNBC) (i.e., names of provinces, territories, major islands and major bodies of water) are shown in both official languages.
