In June 2004, GSDNR's National Atlas Frameworks project saw the release of the first harmonized map of North America. The project worked in collaboration with the Atlas of Canada, the Atlas of the United States and the National Institute of Statistics, Geography, and Informatics (INEGI) of Mexico.

The harmonization project consisted of two components - the creation of eight harmonized frameworks at the scale of 1:1M, and the distribution of these frameworks to end users in hard copy and electronic format.

The harmonisation of the North American map refers to the accurate geometric fit and uniform taxonomy of geometric attributes of the map across national boundaries. In other words, geographical features such as coastlines, rivers, and roads are contiguous from one country to the next, and these features are described according to a consistent classification system. The North American map was developed by harmonising eight base layer maps at a scale of 1:1M. These layers include:

1. Hydrology,
2. Roads,
3. Railroads,
4. Administrative boundaries,
5. Populated places,
6. Glaciers (terrestrial ice),
7. Sea ice, and
8. Bathymetry (ocean depth).

GSDNR's National Atlas Frameworks project compiled these base layers at the appropriate scale and collaborated with the other two countries to ensure a seamless fit. Each of these layers can be integrated with other North American thematic data.

Hard copies of the map are now being distributed through the "Connecting Canadians" program. In addition, in August the Atlas of the United States will distribute copies of the map printed in Mexico at the 2004 ESRI International User Conference - the largest GIS conference in the world. Electronic plot-ready files have also been distributed to other partners.

The geographical components from the three countries were also assembled into an electronic database, allowing distribution of the map on the Internet for both visualisation and download. This distribution is free of charge from mirror servers in each of the three countries. In Canada, each thematic layer can be viewed and downloaded at geogratis.gc.ca.

This new "living" map has the advantage that it is electronic and can be updated to reflect changes in geographical features (new roads, for example) and political boundaries as new information is available.

The harmonized North American framework was designed for the analysis and reporting of transnational issues such as water and energy management, transportation, trade, and biodiversity conservation. The increased accessibility of a current, accurate base map of North America will also help to inform decision-makers, promote the environment, and advance scientific research. Local and regional govern-ments, community groups, NGOs, institutions and individuals can all use the map free of charge.

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), an international organization created by Canada, Mexico and the United States under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, facilitated the collaboration for this project. For more information on the North American Frameworks map contact:

Project Leader : Peter Paul

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