Yukon Surficial Geology Polygons with 80% Territory Coverage

Over 195 compiled surficial geology maps provide approximately 80% coverage of Yukon territory. The Yukon Geological Survey standardized maps from scales of 1:250,000 to 1:10,000, preserving original feature descriptions and converting them to a terrain classification system. Polygon attributes include surficial material, texture, age, surface expression, and geomorphological processes.

Use Cases

• Model permafrost distribution and thermokarst depression risk using polygon attributes like surficial material and texture.
• Assess granular resource potential for infrastructure planning by analyzing surficial material and age attributes across the territory.
• Support geotechnical engineering and landslide hazard mapping by integrating polygon data on surface expression and geomorphological processes.
• Conduct mineral exploration targeting by correlating surficial material types with known point features like sample locations and glacial landforms.

Strengths

• Compilation of over 195 individual source maps ensures broad spatial representation.
• Approximately 80% coverage of Yukon territory provides extensive regional data.
• Original feature descriptions are preserved and also converted to a standardized Yukon terrain classification system.
• Includes polygon, line, and point features capturing a wide range of geological and geomorphological attributes.

Limitations

• Spatial overlap between maps at different scales (1:250,000 to 1:10,000) may create data redundancy or require resolution handling.
• Data originates from multiple agencies over time, potentially introducing inconsistencies in original mapping methodologies.

Provenance

Source

Yukon Geological Survey, compiling maps from Geological Survey of Canada, Yukon Government, universities, and City of Whitehorse.

Collection Method

Compilation and standardization of existing surficial geology maps into a unified GIS format.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated March 2026.

Geography

Yukon Territory, Canada, with approximately 80% coverage.