Every year, there are thousands of spills involving oil or other hazardous substances that threaten the valuable and delicate coastal zone resources of Atlantic Canada. It is essential to have information on hand to make quick, informed decisions to enable an effective response to protect these resources and the natural environment.

In order to minimize the environmental impacts of such incidents, the Environmental Emergencies Section of Environment Canada in the Atlantic region, through the Environmental Emergencies Mapping Program, has developed a geographic information system (GIS) incorporating the most comprehensive and up-to-date environmental data currently available.

The system now has two types of applications: a stand-alone software known as ASMAP (Atlantic Sensitivity Mapping Application) for installation on a personal computer; and a web mapping interface called E-MAP accessible on the Internet (http://www.e-map.gc.ca) [password required to log in the application].

Both applications use the GIS technology. Digital maps illustrate the important features of specific geographical areas, such as: the biological species present, shoreline type, distinctive physical features of the area which could hamper cleanup efforts, human activities typical of the coastal area, and the cleanup infrastructures required to deal with a spill situation.

ASMAP : Atlantic Sensitivity Mapping Application

ASMAP is the first GIS developed by the Environmental Emergencies Section in the Atlantic Region. It's development started back in the early 1990's and it is used since 1995 by the section employees and other partners in the Atlantic region for environmental emergencies management. ASMAP is a standalone application (software) for installation on personal computers and laptops. It has most of the main tools and features as any GIS software. It allows users to display thematic layers over National Topographic Data Base basemaps, perform pre-spill and resources reports, view shoreline videos and edit map layouts for incident reports.

E-MAP : Environmental Web Mapping Application

E-MAP is a new mapping application accessible via Internet developed by the Environmental Emergencies Section. It is fully operational since the spring of 2002. E-MAP basically has the same functions as ASMAP. But being on the internet, it allows to have real-time data, like weather conditions, and it also allows users to upload their personal data on the main server to share it with other users and create maps online with Adobe® SVG technology without any mapping software needed.

View our brochure (PDF format)

View our brochure (ASCII text version)

Contact persons

André Laflamme
Environmental Emergencies Officer, EEMAP Coordinator
(902) 426-5324

François Thériault
GIS/Mapping Specialist
(902) 426-5894

E-mail us at eemap@ec.gc.ca