What's New

For years, users have relied on the Canadian Digital Elevation Model (CDEM) and the Canadian Digital surface model (CDSM) for medium resolution elevation data, essential for various applications such as regional hydrologic modelling. Now, as part of the National Elevation Data Strategy, Natural Resources Canada is introducing the Medium Resolution Digital Elevation Model (MRDEM) – a cutting-edge geospatial dataset created to enhance nationwide elevation analysis. This new product, part of the CanElevation Series, includes aligned Digital Surface Model (DSM) and Digital Terrain Model (DTM) at 30 meters resolution.

The Canada Flood Map Inventory (CFM) now contains the first 11 studies funded by the Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP). Additionally, it includes eight studies funded by the National Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP), which concluded in 2022. The latest update to the inventory boasts a total of 33 new studies, covering 54 study areas. This layer identifies the owners of flood maps and contains references to official data.

The Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation has released its Indigenous Engagement Guidelines for Flood Mapping, which seeks to inform officials, scientists, public servants and practitioners about the best ways to engage Indigenous communities in flood mapping projects. This includes guidance on communicating with Indigenous community representatives, best practices for developing effective working relationships, and help clarifying responsibilities outlined by Canadian law and policy surrounding projects taking place on traditional territory.

Every year, floods affect populations across Canada. That's why the team of specialists at Natural Resources Canada update the Historical Flood Events layer with the most recent data available in the media. The addition of major floods, such as those that occurred in Manitoba in 2022, makes it possible to track the history of flooding since 1696. In all, 104 new events between June 2021 and June 2023 have been added. In total, over 7,400 events can be viewed via an interactive map.

The Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation (CCMEO) is excited to announce the new Canadian Hydrospatial Network (CHN). This initiative stands as an improvement from the National Hydrographic Network (NHN), bringing in a new era for high-resolution, analysis-ready hydrographic data in Canada.

The National Elevation Data Strategy team has increased its production rate. Our detailed 3D products cover 32% more area since the last publication in October 2023!

The National Elevation Data Strategy team carried out an analysis of the High Resolution Digital Elevation Model (HRDEM) product to improve its usability while optimizing its maintenance. The following updates will take effect on June 19th, 2024:

• Reduced duplication of UTM projections by project
• Elimination of Color Relief Map and Color Shaded Relief Map

Our elevation datasets are growing! This very detailed 3D information provides essential foundational geospatial data for many government projects and priorities, like flood mapping, forest inventories, climate change monitoring, and urban management.

The Historical Flood Events layer has been updated with precipitation statistics, thanks to the efforts of Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. This upgrade affects 26% of the events in the data layer and provides a unique perspective on the amount of precipitation associated with specific floods.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is pleased to announce the release of a new product called LiDAR Point Clouds. The product is a part of the CanElevation Series created to support the National Elevation Data Strategy led by NRCan and distributed under the Open Government License.

With scattered publication records stretching back to 1696, it has been labour intensive to search publications to determine historical flood events for a specific region – until now. With over 1400 flood events documented in over 7000 locations, the NRCan Historical Flood Events data layer provides an accessible way to view the who, what, when, and where of historical flood events in Canada.