Introducing CanVec+

CanVec+ marks a new approach for the publication of our digital cartographic reference products in vector format. CanVec+ will be released during the summer of 2014 with a two-month update cycle.

Why CanVec+?

Natural Resources Canada is transitioning to an improved data model with the goal of providing seamless data layer coverage across Canada. We will be producing a new series of vector products based on this new data model.

CanVec+ is designed as an interim product for the transition that allows us to provide:

• frequent data updates
• the most up-to-date data
• the best available data resolution

CanVec+ vs CanVec

New Seamless Data

For the first time, transportation theme data sourced from The National Road Network (NRN) and National Railway Network (NRWN) – including railway structures and ferries – will be available seamlessly. Future releases will include additional seamless layers of data.

Different Access to the Data

As with CanVec, the new CanVec+ will also be available at a 1:50 000 scale, but CanVec+ will differ in how it is made available. There will be two methods to access CanVec+ data:

• Custom “areas of interest”: By using the new Geospatial Data Extraction Tool you can define custom areas and are no longer limited to the National Topographic System (NTS) map sheet system.
• Prepackaged files:You will be able to select from 1050 prepackaged files defined according to 1:250 000 NTS map sheet areas. Each of these prepackaged files covers the same area of land as sixteen 1:50 000 scale maps. CanVec+ files will no longer be packaged by province/territory/Canada.

Same File Formats

The data will continue to be distributed in the following three file formats:

• File Geodatabase (FGDB)
• Geography Markup Language (GML)
• Shapefile

Minor Data Table Changes

The naming and attribution of data layers for the shapefile and GML formats will show minor changes. For example, the associated NTS number will no longer be included as it would not be relevant for seamless data layers.

CanVec Remains Available

The last version of CanVec (V12) was released in May 2013 and will remain available as legacy information through the GeoGratis website. It is available by 1:50 000 NTS map sheet areas/province/territory/Canada, and in the three file formats (FGDB, GML, shapefile). There are more than 15,000 datasets covering the Canadian landmass.

Documentation

Full documentation including release notes, product catalogue, specifications, distribution formats, and a 1:250 000 demonstration file are available on the FTP site.

Still Have Questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact us at geoginfo@nrcan.gc.ca with your questions and/or comments regarding the new release of CanVec+.