Canadian Hydrographic Features Vector Data

CanVec data contains 50,000 hydrographic features mapping Canadian surface waters. This digital cartographic product from Natural Resources Canada compiles topographical information from sources like the National Topographic Data Base and satellite imagery, complying with international geomatics standards.

Use Cases

• Classify hydrographic feature types like Watercourse, Waterbody, or Permanent Snow and Ice from vector geometries
• Analyze the spatial network of Water Linear Flow features for hydrological modeling
• Map the distribution of Hydro Obstacles such as falls and rapids across Canadian territory

Strengths

• Contains 50,000 mapped hydrographic features
• Originates from Natural Resources Canada's best available data sources, including satellite imagery
• Complies with international geomatics standards for vector format data

Limitations

• Specific row counts, column definitions, and sample data are unavailable for detailed assessment
• Data is sourced from multiple processes and may have inherent integration inconsistencies
• The description lacks concrete metrics on spatial resolution or attribute completeness

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Multi-source compilation from the National Topographic Data Base, Mapping the North process, Atlas of Canada, GeoBase, and satellite imagery updates.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated March 2026.

Geography

Canadian territory.