 The Federal government of Canada produces two scales of Canadian topographical maps: 1:50,000 and 1:250,000. These maps are used for a variety of different applications: hiking, surveying, paddling, orienteering, geocaching, etc.
Click on the Geographic Names Query to find the appropriate topographical map you require within Canada.
Topographical maps within Canada are based of the Canadian National Topgraphic System (NTS). This is a grid covering the entire country that divides the country into equal partitions based on longitude and latitude lines.
The following is additional information about 1:50,000 and 1:250,000 topographical maps (information from Natural Resources Canada)
The National Topographic System of Canada
The National Topographic System (NTS) provides general-purpose topographic map coverage of Canada. These maps depict in detail ground relief (landforms and terrain), drainage (lakes and rivers), forest cover, administrative areas, populated areas, transportation routes and facilities (including roads and railways), and other man-made features.
A 1:50 000 scale topographic map is ideal for recreational activities such as cycling, canoeing, snowmobiling, fishing, camping and hiking. Accurately shown are hills, valleys, lakes, rivers, streams, rapids, portages, trails and wooded areas; major, secondary and side roads, and all man-made features such as buildings, power lines, dams and cut lines. A 1:50 000 scale map covers an area approximately 1000 square kilometres.
Maps at this scale are used by all levels of government and industry for flood control, forest fire control, real estate planning, development of natural resources, environmental issues, right-of-way, highway planning, and depiction of crop areas. In fact, maps at the 1:50 000 scale can be used for almost any conceivable requirement.
A 1:250 000 scale topographic map is considered to be a reconnaissance-type map. It covers the same area of land as sixteen 1:50 000 scale maps. This scale is popular not only as a detailed overview of a large area, but also as a detailed road map for use when travelling on back roads and side roads. A full 1:250 000 scale map shows an area approximately the size of Prince Edward Island.
Meanwhile, vast sections of Canada's northern regions are sparsely populated, if at all. Monochrome (black and white) maps have been produced for many of these areas. The 1:50 000 scale monochrome map provides the same detailed depiction of the landmass as the 1:50 000 scale polychrome (colour) map. |
Maps
Edmonton/Calgary Land Use Maps
