Canada's early pilots faced the challenge of plotting a course using unreliable information and evolving navigation instruments... Such as they were! Without charts, these courageous pilots found their way by following rivers, roads and railway tracks as they flew - a hazardous journey if it lead you up a box canyon ! The need for specialized navigation charts was quickly recognized. Since their introduction in 1926, charts have become more accurate and complete.

Geomatics Canada, a component of Natural Resources Canada responsible for surveying and mapping the country, is proud to carry on the work of the early surveyors, photographers, and cartographers who helped Canada become a world leader in these fields. Through Aeronautical and Technical Services, in association with the Aeronautical Charting Program, Geomatics Canada offers the aviation community quality cartographic imaging and printing.

The following pages were developed by the Canada Aviation Museum and Natural Resources Canada as part of a display for the 1999 International Cartographic Association (ICA) conference held in Ottawa. They highlight significant events that have shaped aeronautical charting in Canada since 1926.