Geospatial Data and Software

Geospatial data and software are used to collect, analyze and interpret geographic information. Geomatics is the science of collecting, storing, analyzing and interpreting spatial data. Geospatial data can be used in a variety of applications such as mapping, surveying, navigation, land use planning, environmental monitoring, and resource management.

Nova Scotia Open data and other Free Geospatial Data setsGeomatics data and software are used in industries such as agriculture, forestry, engineering, urban planning, oil and gas, and mining. Geomatics software includes Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, surveying and mapping software, and other specialized applications. The combination of these technologies allow for efficient and accurate data collection and analysis, as well can be used to help identify trends and patterns in the environment, track the movement of animals and natural resources, and monitor the health of ecosystems. Geomatics data and software are essential for understanding and managing the Earth‘s resources.

The “Geospatial Data and Software” section of our site includes information related to a wide array of geospatial data and software related topics. See the various pages listed further below for more information …

If you have information related to Geospatial Data and Software that you think we should share here, then please do let us know.

Map of the North Circumpolar Region

Map of the North Circumpolar Region

Canada is vast, boasting a diverse range of distinct regions and landscapes. Living in one of the northernmost and largest countries in the world, helps provide Canadians with a unique perspective on our country’s geography. To help showcase Canada’s dynamic Arctic landscape, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) released an updated version of the North Circumpolar Map. This unique bilingual map map is viewed from a different angle then most maps, using the azimuthal equidistant projection with the geographic North Pole serving as the central point of the map. We encourage all Canadians to take advantage of this free high resolution map available for download from NRCAN and help promote a unique perspective of our prodigious nation.
Access Nova Scotia Civic Viewer

Nova Scotia Online Civic Map Viewer

The Nova Scotia Civic Viewer is the online mapping application used to view civic map information, with a free public viewer version and another version containing more information for certain parties that need more detailed information and the ability to update the information of the database.
Municipality of East Hants ArcGIS Open Data

OpenStreetMap Step by Step User Guides

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If you have been following our OpenStreetMap topic over the past few months then I am sure you have come to the realize that it is a community driven project and that anyone can edit OpenStreetMaps. But where does one start? Here are some free user guides to help you get started using OpenStreetMap.
Geomatics Yukon GIS Data & the Yukon Lands Viewer

Geomatics Yukon GIS Data and Yukon Lands Viewer

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Geomatics Yukon is the online portal location where you will find GIS open data and imagery for the Yukon Territory. It hosts and distributes a wide range of web mapping applications and spatial data for several Yukon Government departments and partners that allow people to search their growing collection of available data sets.
Antipodes Maps

Antipodes Maps

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Have you ever thought where you would end up if you drilled a tunnel through the center of the Earth and climbed out the other side? Well that location is considered an antipodal point. The antipodes of any place on a globe is the point on the surface which is diametrically opposite to it. Have a little fun exploring geography with this interactive antipodes calculator map.
What3words - Making Addressing Easier

What3words – Making Addressing Easier

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What3Words is a relatively new geocoding system that is actively being used around the world to help make it easier to describe the spatial location of an area. According to the United Nations about 75 percent of the world (almost 4 billion people) has not been properly addressed, making it hard to locate where people live, something that we take for granted here in Canada. Even Esri has made the service available in ArcGIS Online and for ArcGIS for Desktop ...
Grass GIS Software

Grass GIS Software

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GRASS GIS, commonly referred to as Geographic Resources Analysis Support System, is an open source GIS software that is commonly used for geospatial data analysis, data management, image processing, cartography, spatial modeling, and data visualization. It contains over 350 modules to help render maps, offers both an intuitive graphical user interface as well as command line, and is free!
Maps‬ that show How Important Canada is

Canada Explained in 7 Maps

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Maps‬ that show How Important Canada is 7 Maps that show how…
Municipality of East Hants ArcGIS Open Data

East Hants Open Data

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East Hants, Nova Scotia, Canada is a vibrant municipality between Metro Halifax and the Bay of Fundy. East Hants uses GIS technology in all their departments, from sewer, water, and road projects, to regional planning, taxation, and municipal elections. Recently they developed an online portal (Interactive East Hants) to help Nova Scotian's explore their growing Municipality's geospatial data sets.