In order to collect, store, maintain, and distribute Canada's geographical names, the CGNS comprises several components, including the Web Map Server (WMS), the Web Feature Server (WFS), the Geographical Names Search Service (GNSS), Geographical Names Application (GNApp), and a Feature ID function.

Specifically, the Web Feature Server (WFS) delivers Geonames over the Internet using XML or GML formats.

In contrast, the Web Map Server (WMS) delivers an image layer of geo-referenced labels (Geonames) that can be used as an overlay in combination with other map layers to build a web map. In other words, geographical names can be displayed on a map because they are set up to be automatically associated with the places to which they correspond. For this application, the WMS can serve the image to viewer applications, to other map servers, or, by cascading to other web map servers, the CGNS can service complete map requests. Additionally, the user can customize layer descriptors, colors and symbols.

Data providers maintain the Geonames data online through the web-based interface called the Geographical Names Application (GNApp). The GNApp is a secured application that can only be accessed by authorized provincial, territorial, and federal authorities. This ensures the quality of the data that is available through all of the search and query applications of the CGNS.

The Geographical Names Search Service (GNSS) allows the public to search and display geographical names from a web browser. This user-friendly web-based interface is available to the public through the CGNS web site. As well as allowing users to query the complete database of geographical names, the GNSS allows users to specify the format of the returned dataset. The GNSS can be used for building full-fledged systems, for online research, school projects, etc.

Finally, by means of a Feature Identifier function, each toponymic element is associated with a unique ID, which is assigned by GSDNR's GeoNames Applications project. This ensures that geographical characteristics remain associated with a particular location and name, even if the cartographic representation of the feature or the name is modified. This function prevents the duplication of name entries for the same geographical location.

In the future, the GeoNames Applications project will develop a process whereby partners can submit the geometric limits of their place names on-line. The process of delimiting the precise locations to be associated with geographic names is currently done using paper maps. The project will first adapt a data base model using the National Atlas Frameworks model for hydrography as a starting point. Next, the project will populate, test, and evaluate the data base and develop a user-friendly interface to enable data base maintenance so that the delineation of place names can be done on-line.

For more information, visit the CGNS website at: cgns.nrcan.gc.ca

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