Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About GeoBase

Is the GeoBase Portal an NRCan initiative?

GeoBase is a federal, provincial and territorial government initiative that is overseen by the Canadian Council on Geomatics (CCOG). NRCan is a major player as it ensures the portal operation, maintenance and support. NRCan is currently the major data provider until more partnership agreements are in place.

The GeoBase initiative has been undertaken to ensure the provision of, and access to, a common, up-to-date and maintained base of quality geospatial data for all of Canada.

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What is the Canadian Council on Geomatics (CCOG)?

The Canadian Council on Geomatics is a federal-provincial-territorial consultative body working in the field of geospatial information management. The CCOG is the leading authority for GeoBase. All ten provinces and the three territories are members of CCOG, as well as more than a dozen federal departments and agencies.

The CCOG provides an important consultative forum for discussion on common issues and concerns such as:

  • exchange of information on respective current and future programs
  • proposed legislation relevant to geomatics
  • the presentation and discussion of progress reports, organizational changes, new ideas, technology and procedures developed during the preceding year or to be developed in future

The CCOG also develops, promotes and promulgates national geomatics standards and formulate recommendations and resolutions as are from time to time deemed appropriate.

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What is GeoConnections?

On June 15, 2005, the Government of Canada announced funding of $60 million for a five-year renewal of the GeoConnections program. Whereas the first phase of GeoConnections focused on developing the policies, standards, technologies and partnerships required to build a Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI), the second phase is intended to ensure that Canadians will be further able to actively adopt, use and benefit from the CGDI. From 2005 to 2010, the renewed GeoConnections program will work with its existing partners to ensure that CGDI technologies remain current, but will also pursue partnerships with new end-user communities of practice. Specifically, GeoConnections will seek to better understand the needs of users in four key areas (sustainable development and the environment, Aboriginal issues, public health, and public safety) with the goal of collaborating to further develop the CGDI into an operational asset for end users in these areas to employ in planning and decision making.

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How is the GeoBase initiative funded?

The funding comes primarily from the federal and provincial-territorial government departments and agencies with a responsibility to provide base geospatial information within their jurisdictions.

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Who supplies the data for the GeoBase site?

The responsibility for data collection and maintenance falls under many federal, provincial and territorial programs and agencies. All of the provinces and territories, as well as many federal agencies have contributed to this version of the GeoBase portal.

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Who will use GeoBase data?

The goal of GeoBase is to provide the reference and context for a broad variety of thematic data for government, business, and personal applications. Critical concerns such as sustainable resource development (forestry, mines, energy, water, etc.); public safety, protection, and sanitation (emergency response, OCIPEP, disaster management, Department of National Defence, Tracking SARS, etc.); and environmental protection (greenhouse gas effects, global warming, natural risks, Winnipeg Flooding, etc.) all make use of geospatial data as a first choice tool in planning, execution, and intervention assessments. Effective geomatics applications rely on high-quality base geospatial information.

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How does this site benefit the economy?

By providing data at no cost to users, this site will be providing a federal, provincial and territorial approach to advancing and stimulating the geomatics and other technology industry sectors:

  • facilitating the exchange of technical knowledge between industry and governments
  • improving decision-making by all Canadians, including industry, academia and governments, by providing a valuable and reliable source of geospatial information
  • minimizing duplication of work and maximizing respective investments at government levels

GeoBase is built on partnerships and innovative technology. By working together, multiple levels of government are increasing their efficiency in collecting, maintaining and disseminating geospatial data.

Not only is Canada part of a small group of countries in the world to offer access to no fee and unrestricted use of quality geospatial data to its citizens, but it is the first country in the world to also offer a product that will be sustainable and maintained over time and in collaboration with closest to the source stakeholders.

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Why is the government involved in the dissemination of geospatial data?

In all countries, production of basic topographic information is the sole responsibility of the government. In economic terms, topographic mapping and geospatial data is considered a public good.

By making GeoBase data available, the government will stimulate the economy and facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge between industry and governments. The academia knowledge will increase and benefit from having access this data.

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How can I edit my user profile?

You can update your user Profile and make changes at any time. To acces your profile, simply login and select Update your profile

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