Canadian Hydrographic Features Including Permanent Snow and Ice

CanVec from Natural Resources Canada provides vector topographical data for Canadian surface waters. The dataset includes hydrographic entities such as Watercourse, Waterbody, and Permanent Snow and Ice, compiled from multiple authoritative sources like the National Topographic Data Base and satellite imagery.

Use Cases

• Map the distribution of Permanent Snow and Ice features across Canadian territory for climate change studies.
• Analyze the network of Watercourse and Water Linear Flow entities for hydrological modeling.
• Identify Hydro Obstacle features like falls and rapids for recreational or hazard mapping.
• Integrate Waterbody and Spring data with other geospatial layers for environmental resource management.

Strengths

• Data originates from the best available sources covering Canadian territory, including the National Topographic Data Base.
• Complies with international geomatics standards, ensuring interoperability.
• Product is multi-source, incorporating data from Mapping the North, Atlas of Canada, GeoBase, and satellite imagery like Landsat 7.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, column details, and sample data are unavailable, limiting pre-analysis assessment.
• The dataset's size and exact temporal coverage are not specified.
• Focus is on Canadian territory, limiting direct applicability for international studies.

Provenance

Source

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) CanVec product, distributed by the Government of Yukon via GeoYukon.

Collection Method

Digital cartographic reference product compiled from the National Topographic Data Base, Mapping the North, Atlas of Canada, GeoBase, and updated using satellite imagery coverage.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03 25, indicating planned future maintenance.

Geography

Canadian territory.