Canadian Geopolitical Boundaries

Description

This data layer contains the international, inter-provincial and territorial boundaries, as well as the boundaries of Canada's exclusive economic zone. It is not intended for legal use, and should be utilized for cartographic purposes only.

The dataset is comprised of three files: an administrative boundary file, an administrative areas file and a metadata file.

The administrative boundary file is made of non-overlapping, topologically correct (connected segments) simple features. A line that bounds two adjacent administrative areas defines an administrative boundary. An administrative boundary may be split into several smaller segments, due to changes in attribute information.

The administrative areas file is made of adjacent (contiguous) polygons. The polygon boundaries are aligned with the corresponding features in the administrative boundary file.

Each boundary segment has metadata that provides associated accuracy values. Depending on the type of boundary, the accuracy of a segment will vary as follows:

  • Exclusive economic zone of Canada: 1:1,000,000
  • Inter-provincial/territorial boundary: 1:100,000
  • International boundary: 1:5,000

The authoritative data source providers for this data layer are:

The Canada Centre for Cadastral Management of Natural Resources Canada performed the data integration of the Administrative Boundaries.

Download the Canadian Geopolitical Boundaries Fact Sheet [pdf 3.80 MB]

Documentation

For more details on standards and specifications, see Canadian Geopolitical Boundaries, Level 1 Product Specifications [pdf 167 KB], Canadian Geopolitical Boundaries, Level 1 Feature Catalogue [pdf 59 KB] and Canadian Geopolitical Boundaries, Level 1 Metadata Specifications [pdf 88 KB].

Metadata

For a complete description of collection metadata, see the Canadian Geopolitical Boundaries, Collection Metadata.

Collection and Dataset Metadata comply with FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC Metadata Workbook & Graphical Representation, pdf 960 KB).

Use and Restrictions

All distributed Canadian Geopolitical Boundaries datasets should be accessed and used relatively to the GeoBase Unrestricted Use Licence Agreement.

Data Format

Canadian Geopolitical Boundaries datafiles are available in both GML (Geography Markup Language) and ESRI Shape files.

Free Data Viewer

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