CanMatrix consists of scanned topographic maps of Canada from the National Topographic Series 1:50,000 scale and 1:250,000 scale paper maps published by Natural Resources Canada. The files are geocoded according to NAD83 and have a scanned resolution of 300 dpi. Since CanMatrix maps are georeferenced, they can be used as a background for various applications, such as ArcGIS, MapInfo or Global Position Systems (GPS).
Data Format
The georeferenced maps are in GeoTIFF (.tif) format. Each original TIFF is approximately 85 MB. Total file size for all of Canada is 700 GB. The printable versions are available in PDF or TIFF version.
Data use: Restrictions/Copyright
The data are publically available.
Accessing the Data
CanMatrix is available for download via the GeoGratis website at: http://www.geogratis.ca/geogratis/en/product/search.do?id=10119.
Instructions for downloading the georeferenced or PDF maps are available.
To view selected CanMatrix images of the greater Niagara area on-line, go to http://www.brocku.ca/maplibrary/digital/Canmatrix/Canmatrix_home.html
To determine the NTS mapsheet you require use NRCan Topographic Map Search: Find an NTS Map Sheet at http://maps.nrcan.gc.ca/search/index.html
Sample Citation Format (30M03 Niagara sheet)
Original download
Natural Resources Canada [computer file].
(1996). CanMatrix, 1:50 000, Niagara, Ontario. sheet 30M/03, edition 7. Ottawa, Ontario: Natural Resources Canada, Geomatics Canada.
Available: http://geogratis.ca.geogratis/en/product/search.do?id=10119
[October 30, 2007].
The Topographic Maps of the Golden Horseshe website
Natural Resources Canada. Niagara 30M/03 [map]. 1996. Scale 1:50,000. "Brock University Map Library". Posted: October 9, 2007. CanMatrix - Digital Topographic Maps of Canada. <http://www.brocku.ca/maplibrary/digital/Canmatrix/Canmatrix_home.html>(Accessed: November 22, 2007).
Example of CanMatrix
"© Department of Natural Resources Canada. All rights reserved."