References and Links

The Atlas maps are composed of several layers of which there are two broad categories: thematic and base layers. Find below a description of each of the map layers. The layer source is included in the metadata.

Thematic Map Layers

Plant Hardiness Zones

This layer shows the different zones in Canada where various types of trees, shrubs and flowers are most likely to survive. These zones are calculated based on the average climatic conditions of each area. The harshest zone is 0 and the mildest is 8. Each major zone is divided into subzones a and b (for example 3a and 3b) where zone a is slightly harsher than zone b.

Read the metadata on this layer

Base Map Layers

Atlas of Canada Framework Layers

Base map components are features that provide a geographic context for the thematic data shown on Atlas of Canada maps. These features include rivers, lakes, administrative boundaries, populated places, roads and rail lines. All of the Atlas of Canada base map components are available for immediate free download in five scales and in a number of data exchange formats. The 1:7 500 000 and the 1:1 000 000 scale data are the primary base frameworks used for all Atlas of Canada 6th Edition online maps. You can download Atlas of Canada data from this Web page on GeoGratis.

Canada. Departments of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Natural Resources Canada. 2001. Canada, Plant Hardiness Zones. Ottawa.

McKenney, Dan and Kathy Campbell. 2002. Getting into the Zone - What does Canada’s new plant hardiness zones map really means? Frontline, Forestry Research Applications, Technical notes no 103, Canadian Forest Service, Sault Ste. Marie. (Available in PDF only)

McKenney, Dan et al. 2002. Going Beyond the Zones - some next steps to knowing what can grow where in Canada. Frontline, Forestry Research Applications, Technical Note no 104. Canadian Forest Service, Sault Ste. Marie. (Available in PDF only)