Read about topographic maps

Topographic Maps in the Atlas of Canada

The Atlas of Canada offers Toporama – free access to the National Topographic System (NTS) in an easy-to-use online mapping tool.

• Toporama - Mapping Tool
• Frequently Asked Questions

The National Topographic System (NTS) – An Overview

What is a topographic map? Select one of the links below to find out all about topographic maps and the National Topographic System (NTS).

• The National Topographic System (NTS) of Canada
• Topographic Maps, The Basics (PDF 1.25 MB)

Topographic Map Distributors – Paper Maps

To find the National Topographic System (NTS) map number for the area you are interested in and to purchase printed topographic maps, select one of the links below to locate a map distributor near you.

• Regional Distribution Centres

Digital Topographic Data

To obtain free digital topographic data available on Open Government, select one of the links below.

Topographic data of Canada - CanVec Series
Multi-source product, used in Toporama – Mapping Tool, combining the best available vector topographic data.

Toporama Tiles - Archived
This collection is now a legacy product that is no longer maintained since May15, 2013. Raster topographic map files, at a scale of 1:50 000, based on the National Topographic System (NTS).

Digital topographic raster maps - Archived
This group of maps, which includes the CanMatrix and CanTopo collections, is now a legacy product that is no longer maintained. Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) topographic raster maps provide a representation of the topographic phenomena of the Canadian landmass.

National Topographic Databas (NTDB) - Archived
National Topographic Database (NTDB) at the scales of 1:250 000 and 1:50 000 (collection no longer supported, replaced by CanVec).

Licence

User Agreement: Use of the Atlas data is subject to the Open Government Licence - Canada.

Liability Note – For Topographic Maps in the Atlas of Canada

Natural Resources ("Canada") makes no representations about the suitability for any purpose of the geographic data and attribute data ("Data") on this website. All such Data is provided on an "as is" basis and the Data has not been validated by Canada.

Canada makes no representations or warranties respecting the Data, either expressed or implied, arising by law or otherwise, including but not limited to, effectiveness, completeness, accuracy or fitness for a particular purpose. Canada does not assume any liability in respect of any damage or loss incurred or suffered as a result of the use of the Data. In no event shall Canada be liable in any way for loss of revenue or contracts, or any other consequential loss of any kind resulting from the use of the Data.