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 Proactive disclosure Print version   | |  Success Stories Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) evaluating Integrated National Thematic Frameworks Project Watersheds Framework as part of National Land and Water Information Service (NLWIS) This information represents activities in the Earth Sciences Sector Programs (2002-2006). Please refer to Priorities for information on current Earth Sciences Sector Programs.
"Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is currently undergoing a dramatic realignment of priorities and working relationships with respect to the assessment and implementation of environmentally sustainable production practices."1 The realignment has resulted in new national initiatives under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), including the National Land and Water Information Service (NLWIS). At this time, AAFC is evaluating the Geomatics for the Sustainable Development of Natural Resources (GSDNR) Program's Integrated National Thematic Framework Project's 1:1M watershed framework as the base for national reporting of Sustainable Development (SD) indicators as part of their NLWIS. The Integrated National Thematic Frameworks Project is designed to provide national-scale digital base maps (1:1M) which combine frameworks associated with both people (eg. census, transportation, populated places) and the environment (watersheds, protected areas, land cover). Integration at national scale implies correct relative positions rather than absolute accuracy. The term 'framework' refers to an integrated geospatial dataset. Given the national scope of this project, integration will also be undertaken with partners from the United States and Mexican national-scale mapping programs with the goal of producing a set of North American frameworks with seamless geometry and consistent classification systems. All framework data being developed under GSDNR is based on international standards to ensure consistency and compatibility. "Cornerstones of the APF include the ability to targetmonitor and report on the adoption of sound agri-environmental practices. The national watershed and terrestrial ecological frameworks are being used as the primary targeting and reporting units."2 The national frameworks identified are:
As a specific application under these initiatives, there is a requirement to analyze and report on Census data by bio-physical geographies other than those maintained by Statistics Canada. As such, AAFC in collaboration with the Census Of Agriculture has developed a process for reallocating Census of Agriculture data from Census polygon-based geographies (DA/EAs) to our national bio-physical frameworks. The Soil Landscapes of Canada and the National Watershed framework at the sub-sub-basin level have been identified as the target geographies for this work, datasets are scheduled to be available by Spring of 2004. As soon as possible, this information will be widely distributed through the National Land and Water Information Service and CanSIS, for use by all Canadians. 
How did this project evolve? The National Land and Water Information Service is Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) response to this commitment to support responsible use of Canada's water and land resources by enhancing the capacity of Canadians to use land and water information in land management decisions. Canada can demonstrate best practices in environmental steward of land and water resources. When was the project established?
How does the NLWIS receive data from the Integrated National Thematic Frameworks project? How would the data be used?
How are Canadians benefiting from the use of the data? This national service will provide analysis and interpretation of land and water information in partnership with others, to allow Canadians to make improved agricultural land and water management decisions within a national framework. The importance of strong partnerships... For more information contact:
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