CGDI Resource Centre

CGDI Foundation

• Requirements for an Open Forestry Data Sharing Environment to Support Business Solution Development in Canada: A New Brunswick Case Study
  The Canadian Forest Service within Natural Resources Canada commissioned an investigation into requirements of New Brunswick’s Forestry Sector stakeholders and rights holders in order to better understand what capabilities they would like  to see from geospatial standards-based applications.
• NRCan’s CCMEO Introduces FAIR+: Making scientific data easier to find and access to benefit all communities
  FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) are widely accepted in data management activities.  A group in NRCan’s Canada Centre of Mapping and Earth Observation (CCMEO) would like to put forward an expanded definition that would help to empower digital transformation and innovation. CCMEO is proposing a working, innovative, definition called FAIR+, which has the potential to support forward-looking, data-related initiatives and objectives established by the Government of Canada.
• Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure Factsheet
  The CGDI (2020) factsheet provides information on the benefits of Canada's Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and how to access support material.
• Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure primer
  This CGDI Primer (2020) is intended to help new and current users of geospatial data increase their understanding of spatial data infrastructures and to recognize the benefits and advantages of participation in the CGDI. The information in this Primer may be useful to users with variety of roles and functions within their organizations, including new practitioners, environment and lands managers, data managers, planners, policy analysts, researchers, and social and environmental service providers.
• Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure cookbook: recipes and case studies

  This CGDI Cookbook (2020) is intended to help new and current users of geospatial data increase their understanding of spatial data infrastructures (SDI) and to recognize the benefits and advantages of participation in the CGDI. The information in this Cookbook may be useful to a variety of roles and functions within organizations, including new or in-training geomatics practitioners, environment and lands managers, data managers, planners, policy analysts, researchers, and social and environmental service providers.

  This Cookbook describes the components of the CGDI and provides step-by-step 'recipes' related to data, technology, policies, standards, partnerships, and human resources. The recipes are designed to be standalone 'how-to' documents to help integrate different components of CGDI into users' activities.

• Environmental scan on user needs assessments for the Arctic Spatial Data Infrastructure
  The purpose of this document (2019) is to report on findings related to the needs of the international Arctic community in terms of data and services (land and marine), standards, technologies (e.g. applications), operational policies, collaboration, leadership and governance. The research to identify needs was based primarily on an environmental scan of the available documentation and literature on Arctic user communities' needs, supplemented with selected consultations with developers and users of Arctic data. The report provides an assessment of user needs, illustrates the broad range and diversity of data providers, platforms and facilitators that exist in the Arctic and presents recommendations intended to help further the design and development of the Arctic Spatial Data Infrastructure.
• Web Mapping Services: Best Practices and Implementation Guide for the Federal Geospatial Platform
  This best practices implementation guide (2019) is a supportive tool for participating departments to aid them in contributing the required web services to the Federal Geospatial Platform (FGP) Catalogue. It supports the FGP policy on Data Structure, which states that web mapping services will be created and made available to support the visualization and simple analysis of FGP datasets. Geographic web services made available through the FGP will meet the minimum requirements of the FGP Data Structure policy.
• Dissemination of open geospatial data under the Open Government Licence-Canada through OCAP® principles
  Due to the increased spatial dimension of open government data (2019), open geospatial data provides a unique location to explore the opportunities and challenges of opening Indigenous data. The objective of this report is to understand the benefits, limitations, and contradictions of First Nations geospatial data within an open data regime. Specifically, the research aims to examine how, or if, the Government of Canada can observe OCAP® (Ownership, Access, Control, and Possession) principles while disseminating First Nations geospatial data under Open Government Licence-Canada.
• Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) user needs assessments
  This report (2019) provides a synthesis of consultation results, an assessment of user needs, and presents recommendations to help identify future phases of stakeholder engagement and communication that responds to the needs of the different communities and foster the adoption and implementation of the CGDI.
• 2015 Assessment of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure
  In accordance with the multi-phase Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) Performance Project, the 2015 Performance Assessment was undertaken to measure the continued progress of development, use, success and state of Canada’s CGDI. The 2015 assessment involved reviewing and updating the CGDI Assessment Framework and analyzing CGDI measurement data and indicators against a revised CGDI Assessment Framework.  The Assessment Framework covers five component areas of:  Collaboration, Framework Data, Operational Policies, Standards and Specifications, and Technology. To address the 2015 Performance Assessment, a mix of qualitative and quantitative sources of information were used. Two principal methods were employed during the assessment:  document review; and, the development of two case studies.
• Assessment Report for the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure - Executive Summary and Case Studies
  This report (2012) presents a performance assessment of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI). The report informs GeoConnections and stakeholders to identify gaps and priorities for CGDI investment and to communicate Canada’s spatial data infrastructure (SDI) status. The report also contains four case studies, which revealed how the CGDI's components and principles were applied to meet the needs of users associated with different initiatives.
• Case Studies: CGDI and Geo-Information
  In 2012, GeoConnections commissioned a series of case studies to showcase the benefits and value of geo-information and the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI). This report highlights five different case studies which describe how different initiatives benefited from using geo-information and promoting interoperability.
• Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure Performance Project - Overview
  This document (2013) presents the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) Performance Project, which has five phases planned over five years (2010-2015): 1) Modernize CGDI definition, 2) Update CGDI Vision, Mission and Roadmap, 3) Develop CGDI Assessment Framework, 4) 2012 CGDI Assessment, and 5) 2015 CGDI Assessment
• Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure - Overview
  This overview document (2012) describes the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI), its key components and guiding principles. The CGDI allows users to discover, evaluate and use a wide range of location-based information from various sources, which would have otherwise been difficult to find. It helps decision-makers from all levels of government, the private sector, non-government organizations and academia use location-based information to make effective decisions on social, economic and environmental priorities.
• Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure Vision, Mission and Roadmap - The Way Forward
  This document (2012) presents the updated Vision, Mission and Roadmap (VMR) for the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI). The VMR aims to guide the CGDI’s direction for the next five to ten years and inspire the Canadian geomatics community to contribute to a thriving, sustainable and beneficial CGDI.
• Building and sustaining the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure
  This document (2008) is a high level brochure describing the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure
• The Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure - Achieving the Vision of the CGDI
  This roadmap document (2005) explains how to achieve the vision of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI). It synthesizes research, strategy, and a rich consultation process. The document captures the collective wisdom of many and will serve not only to better the CGDI but to build upon its successful history.
• The Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure - Better knowledge for better decisions
  This document (2005) is an update of the original Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) Vision that was created in 2000.
• Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure - Architecture Description, Version 2
  This document (2005) is an update and revision of the original Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) Architecture Description that was created in 2001.
• Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure - Architecture Description, Version 1
  This architecture description document (2001) describes the CGDI Architecture based on the CGDI Target Vision of 2001.
• Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure target vision
  Geospatial information today (2001) is pervasive and a core component of our society and our economy. It should not be strange to think of geospatial information as an infrastructure any more than we think of highways, telecommunications, health care, air traffic control, and policing as infrastructures that we depend on and use daily. The concept of a Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) is born of this recognition (2001).

Operational Policies

Access, Management and Dissemination

• Arctic SDI Evaluation and Benchmarking (2015-2016)
  A presentation deck to supplement the Arctic SDI evaluation report 2015-2016. Topics include an introduction to the concept of an SDI, the Arctic SDI, the need for SDI evaluation, the Arctic SDI Evaluation, the Arctic SDI Evaluation Framework, results of the Arctic SDI Evaluation, implementation Priority Areas, and bench-marking the Arctic SDI.
• Arctic SDI evaluation report 2015-2016
  This document provides a concise report on the evaluation of the Arctic SDI. The report includes an introduction to the Arctic SDI Evaluation Project, a brief discussion on the concept and benefits of SDI evaluation, SDI evaluation methodologies, the Arctic SDI evaluation methodologies, the development of the Arctic SDI Evaluation Framework, the application of the Evaluation Framework, presentation of the results, analysis of the results, recommendations based on the results of the evaluation, and a discussion on benching the current implementation status of the Arctic SDI.
• Arctic SDI Evaluation Framework
  This Framework (2017) will assist in establishing the level to which the Arctic SDI is providing an enabling environment that facilitates discovery, access, dissemination, integration, reuse and interoperability of Geospatial Information to the Arctic Community and the wider society.
• Data issues and promising practices for integrated community energy mapping
  Municipalities, utilities, and the public (2016) can use energy mapping to make informed decisions on energy end use and renewable supply options in the built environment. Integrated community energy mapping (ICEM) is an emerging mapping and modelling approach that leverages existing and new datasets and available building and technology energy modelling software in combination with geographic information systems (GIS) to provide scalable spatial decision support to energy and emissions planning, policy, and program development, and their implementation and verification. Applications include energy and emissions inventories for municipalities, and utility conservation demand management and demand-side management program planning, implementation, and identification of smart energy network opportunities. ICEM is a key component of a consistent methodology for characterizing energy and emissions in communities. Outcomes include achieving energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction targets, offsetting energy infrastructure renewal costs, and realizing energy cost savings for residents, businesses, and organizations.
• Environmental scan on the operational use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for geomatics applications in Canada
  Remotely-piloted Aircraft Systems, or drones, have emerged as an excellent tool to monitor small sites of interest (2016). They play an increasingly important role within organizations by providing a less costly, higher detailed, and more flexible method to collect information compared to conventional methods. This report helps organizations determine whether drones are a suitable alternative and how to implement drones within their operations. The report provides an overview of proven applications and highlights the ready-to-fly equipment that is currently available in North America. Organizations must address regulations concerning aviation, privacy, intellectual property, trespassing, and the transportation of dangerous goods. Best practices are summarized in terms of how to design a stand-alone project or implement an operational program, and techniques used to obtain, process, and manage 2D, 3D, and video datasets. Risk management strategies are formulated. Emerging opportunities, recommendations, and knowledge gaps are highlighted to advance the use of drones in Canada.
• Standards user's guide for geographic information
  This guide (2015) provides both background and practical knowledge of relevant geospatial standards. It is aimed at the general user or manager that needs to have a high level understanding of the overall relevance of standards so that they can make decision on what and how to apply standards but they do not need to know the details of most standards. This is especially true of geospatial information standards since these standards bridge the two distinct disciplines of Earth Science and Information Technology.
• Impacts and implications of Big Data for geomatics: backgrounder
  This backgrounder (2015) was written to further examine the characteristics of Big Data and the impact it has with the geomatics sector. The first chapter of the report discusses key concepts of Big Data in detail including its origins, definition, actors and usages. The second chapter of the report addresses the geospatial side of Big Data, starting with the contribution of geomatics to Big Data and vice-versa. The last chapter concludes with key elements to remember, followed by the appendices and references.
• Geospatial data quality guide
  This guide (2015) explains how to manage geospatial data quality and risks of usage at every phase of a data product life-cycle: design, implementation, production, delivery and usage. It explains the geospatial data evaluation process as presented in the ISO 19157 Geospatial information - Data quality international standard. It also presents the general risk management framework of the ISO 31000 Risk management - Principles and guidelines international standard along with numerous examples related to the management of risks of inappropriate usage of geospatial data. Recommendations related to geospatial data quality and risk management are given for the B2B, B2C and C2C contexts.
• The Open Government Licence - Canada user guide
  This guide (2014) is intended to inform users of Canada’s open geospatial data assets about the nature and scope of Canada’s Open Government Licence and to help guide their interactions with it.
• Geosemantic interoperability backgrounder
  This guide (2015) intends to inform the Canadian geomatics community and developers about the main concepts and importance of geosemantic interoperability along with related technologies and examples of geosemantic interoperability integration in organizations.
• Geospatial Data Preservation Primer
  This primer (2013) intends to inform users, managers and custodians of geo-information about the nature and scope of digital geospatial data archiving and preservation and the realities, challenges and good practices of related operational policies.
• Free and Open Source Software Licensing Primer
  This guide (2012) intends to inform the Canadian geomatics community and developers about the nature and scope of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) licensing and the realities, challenges and good practices related to using and releasing Open Source Software.
• Report on Legislative Barriers to the Release of Geospatial Data
  This report (2012) is intended for organizations who wish to consider legislative issues when sharing and exchanging geospatial data with others. It reviews existing Canadian legislation and identifies and documents specific provisions that impact the sharing of geospatial data.
• How to Share Geospatial Data Primer
  This primer (2012) is intended to inform those who produce or use geospatial data about the realities and challenges of geospatial data sharing. This primer discusses possible data sharing models, and highlights best practices for data sharing.
• Geospatial Data Archiving and Preservation - Research and Recommendations Executive Summary
  This report (2011) is written to meet the following objective: conduct research and provide analysis and recommendations on the issue of archiving and CGDI geospatial data assets, including solutions for perpetual access. The report is based primarily on research of available documents and literature, supplemented by consultations with a primary stakeholder, Library and Archives Canada.
• Primer on Policy Implications of Cloud Computing
  This document (2012) is intended to inform Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) stakeholders about the nature and scope of cloud computing and the realities, challenges and good practices of related geospatial operational policies. It introduces key issues in geospatial operational policy such as liability, privacy and confidentiality, security, licensing, copyright, archiving, regulations and standards; imperative to the success of any venture into cloud computing.
• Volunteered Geographic Information Primer
  This document (2012) is intended to inform Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) stakeholders about the nature and scope of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and the realities, challenges and good practices of related geospatial operational policies. It introduces key issues in geospatial operational policy such as data quality, liability, privacy, security, licensing and copyright; imperative to the success of any venture into VGI.
• GeoConnections Framework Data Guide
  This online course (2009) is designed to introduce you to framework data concepts, sources and uses. Does your job require you to present information in a geospatial or map form? Do you need to bring together geospatial information from different sources and integrate it on a common base map? Have you had difficulties finding and using common base mapping data? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, this guide is for you.
• The Dissemination of Government Geographic Data in Canada: Guide to Best Practices
  Broad-based consultation (2008) with government departments and agencies and the geomatics industry informed and guided the development of the integrated framework for the licensing of government geographic data recommended in this guide.
• Archiving, Management and Preservation of Geospatial Data - Summary Report and Recommendations
  This summary report (2005) is intended primarily for creators and custodians of geospatial data. It summarizes the state of geographic information archival practices and provides recommendations for the proper preservation of this data over the long term.
• Geospatial Data Policy Study
  The Canadian Geospatial Data Policy Study (2001) provides information on the impact of geospatial data policies on all levels of government and the business sector and community at large. The study offers recommendations to modify government geospatial data dissemination policies and practices to facilitate business development and improve industry competitiveness while ensuring adequate infrastructure funding.

Capacity Building Resources

• Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) manual for the Arctic
  This manual (2017) is available due to the collaborative work between representatives from the eight participating national mapping agencies of the Arctic countries. Its goal is to provide information and guidance on the planning, management, development and maintenance of the Arctic SDI to the various involved groups, to provide best data management practices, to identify policy and guideline requirements and to demonstrate the value and benefits of using a SDI for efficient monitoring and decision making in the Arctic.
• User's Guide on the Classification of Geospatial Information Policy Instruments
  This guide (2013) is intended to assist Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) stakeholders that work with geospatial data and produce and/or use policy instruments that impact activities related to geospatial data. The classification framework described in this document is to be used in conjunction with a proper cataloguing system that will allow the inventorying and searching of policy instruments.
• Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Manual for the Americas
  This manual (2013) is intended to provide guidance to government officials and other stakeholders in the Americas in their efforts to plan, develop and implement spatial data infrastructure (SDI) initiatives. It has been structured to cover all of the topics that those considering SDI will encounter, generally in the order in which they will need to be considered.
• Good practices guide: Success in Building and Keeping an Aboriginal Mapping Program
  The guide (2010) profiles practices that lead to success when implementing Aboriginal mapping programs in Canada. Practices and advice are grouped under six headings: getting started; gaining leadership and community support; funding and finances; human resources and training approaches; technology, data, and data networks; and support networks. Under these, specific concrete points of advice on principles for success are provided. Additionally, examples from first hand experiences are shared in a case study format to highlight specific principles in action.
• Understanding Users’ Needs and User-Centred Design
  This guide (2007) is intended to help organizations, specifically managers and developers, in understanding approaches for user-needs assessments and user-centered designs. User-needs assessments engage user communities to identify the content, technology and policies that will best address issues. User-centered design helps organizations ensure their geomatics products address identified issues through effective design and function.

Protected Information

• Intellectual Property Law Backgrounder
  This document (2011) provides an overview of Canadian intellectual property (IP) law with a focus on its relevance to protecting geospatial data, information and products. The focus in this paper is on confidential information, copyright, trademarks and patents, although copyright is the predominant basis for the protection of geographic data and related information products.
• Best practices for sharing sensitive environmental geospatial data
  This guide (2010) highlights issues and concepts associated with the protecting, sharing and utilization of sensitive geospatial data related to the environment and sustainable development; provides frameworks for assessing data sensitivity; and describes potential mechanisms for facilitating the sharing of data, including online transactions.
• Geospatial privacy awareness and risk management guide for federal agencies
  One topic of particular concern to GeoConnections stakeholders is privacy. Working (2010) with guidance from the members of the Federal Government Geospatial Privacy Advisory Group, GeoConnections has developed this Geospatial Privacy Awareness and Risk Management Guide for Federal Agencies.

Geomatics Environment

•  Country Report of Canada 2018
  As submitted to the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), the report outlines Canada’s past, present, and future efforts to develop its geospatial capacity, and provides insight into federal, provincial and territorial government activities that together contribute to the development of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI).
•  Country Report of Canada 2014
  As submitted to the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM)
• Aboriginal community land and resource management: geospatial data needs assessment and data identification and analysis
  (2008) Access to geospatial information is not a primary concern in Aboriginal land use planning; access to information is but one element of a set of complex issues that arise during the transition to self-government and the assertion of treaty and Aboriginal rights and title. This report looks at how geospatial data is being used, and in the context of other themes identified as a priority by community practitioners.
• Canadian Geomatics Environmental Scan Findings Report
  This report (2016) consolidates the findings of the Canadian Geomatics Environmental Scan from all lines of enquiry for this part of two major bodies of work of the Canadian Geomatics Environmental Scan and Value Study carried out by Hickling, Arthurs Low (HAL) and associates on behalf of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The overall picture that emerged is of a market in a state of transformation and a sector that is rapidly evolving to capture the many opportunities that the significant market changes are presenting.
• Value Study Findings Report
  This report (2016) provides a description of the findings of the Value Study from all lines of enquiry for this part this part of two major bodies of work of the Canadian Geomatics Environmental Scan and Value Study carried out by Hickling Arthurs Low Corporation on behalf of Natural Resources Canada. The study found that there is widespread use of geospatial information in the Canadian economy, and that use is growing rapidly. The bulk of the value of geospatial information comes from its use, rather than its production. In 2013, geospatial information was found to contribute $20.7 billion dollars (1.1%) to Canada’s GDP.
• Open Government in Transition: A Case Study of the Canadian Geomatics Community Round Table
  This is a case study (2015) of the Canadian Geomatics Community Roundtable (CGCRT), which is made up of representatives from industry, academia, professional associations, NGOs as well as federal and territorial governments. The study traces the history and successes of the CGCRT, including the development of a Pan-Canadian Geomatics Strategy and its evolution into a permanent organization. The CGCRT is held up as an innovative example of collaboration and Open Government.
• Canadian Geomatics Environmental Scan and Value Study Summary Report
  This 2015 Report includes the findings of the first major study on the state of geomatics in Canada.  The report describes the profile of the geomatics sector in Canada; domestic and global trends (market, technology, social, economic, open data) involving geospatial information and Canada's position relative to those trends; the significance and value of the geomatics sector and geospatial information to Canadian society and the economy; and the traditional and changing roles of government, industry and academia in producing and using geospatial data and information as new opportunities driven by global trends and new players in the market emerge.
• GeoConnections geospatial return on investment case study: BCeMap (MASAS)
  In late 2009 GeoConnections commissioned a series of Geospatial Return on Investment Case Studies to add to the body of knowledge of case studies based on the GITA ROI methodology for financial analysis of geospatial projects. This study focuses on BCeMap, developed by Emergency Management BC (EMBC) and GeoBC to enhance the Emergency Management Information Service (EMIS) being implemented by EMBC. The BC Emergency Map Viewer (BCeMap) as part of the Multi-Agency Situational Awareness System (MASAS) is intended to enable emergency management practitioners in preparing for and mitigating the impacts of emergency incidents through timely sharing of geospatially referenced information. BCeMap focuses on situational awareness data aggregation and connection to the national MASAS. 
• GeoConnections geospatial return on investment case study: Cree GeoPortal
  In late 2009 GeoConnections commissioned a Geospatial Return on Investment Case Study to add to the body of knowledge of case studies based on the GITA ROI methodology for financial analysis of geospatial projects. This study focuses on the Cree GeoPortal, developed by the Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA) and the Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA). This study presents a unique opportunity to reflect on the impact of mapping technology, which served as the basis for Cree treaty negotiations and settlements over the past 30 to 40 years.
• GeoConnections geospatial return on investment case study: Hectares BC
  This study (2011) is one in a series of geospatial Return on Investment (ROI) case studies based on the GITA ROI methodology. It focuses on Hectares BC, a web-accessible geospatial analytical tool developed as a collaborative project by federal and provincial government agencies and non-government organizations. GeoConnections provided $150,000 in funding for the project, matched by $100,000 in cash contributions from the Province of BC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Parks Canada. An additional $70,000 of in-kind contributions were made by these agencies and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Development took place in 2007 and 2008.
• GeoConnections geospatial return on investment case study: Multi-Agency Situational Awareness System (MASAS)
  In late 2009 GeoConnections commissioned a series of Geospatial Return on Investment Case Studies to add to the body of knowledge of case studies based on the GITA ROI methodology for financial analysis of geospatial projects. This study focuses on MASAS, Multi-agency Situational Awareness System, developed by New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization. GeoConnections funded this project under a multi-agency situational awareness initiative with the intention of expanding MASAS to a national deployment.
• GeoConnections geospatial return on investment case study: PRISM-GIS and PRISM-911
  In late 2009 GeoConnections commissioned a Geospatial Return on Investment Case Study to add to the body of knowledge of case studies based on the GITA ROI methodology for financial analysis of geospatial projects. The study focuses on the PRISM-GIS and PRISM-911 applications developed by the City of Quinte West in Southern Ontario. PRISM-GIS, launched in 2007, assists First Responders during emergency situations in the field and at the Central Command Centre and facilitates communication between the field and the Command Centre.  PRISM-911, launched in 2008, provides emergency notification by telephone.

Geospatial Web Services

• This links to a list generated from a geospatial web services harvester developed for the CGDI. It is in development and published weekly.