LibGuides: Statistics and data resources: Mapping

Why spatial files?

Statistics can be crucial to building an argument, but how you display your numbers can have a significant imapct on the power of that argument. Presenting your results in a spatial file means presenting them on a map, so viewers understand the geographic distribution of your event. This page of this guide provides links to open source software for generating maps, some spatial files you can use in those software tools, and web-based tools for generating maps.

Open source GIS software

QGIS
Open source GIS software
QGIS Tutorials
Training materials in using QGIS
GRASS
Geographic Resources Analysis Support System
uDig
uDig aims to be:
•User friendly, providing a familiar graphical environment for GIS users;
•Desktop located;
•Internet oriented, consuming standard (WMS, WFS, WPS) and de facto (GeoRSS, KML, tiles) geospatial web services; and,
•GIS ready, providing the framework on which complex analytical capabilities can be built, and gradually subsuming those capabilities into the main application.

Understanding census geography

Illustrated glossary of census geography
To take full advantage of Census data, users need to have a basic understanding of the labels applied to different geographic boundaries. This alphabetical listing helps you explore different geographical definitions.
Canadian Statistical Geospatial Explorer Hub
Discover Statistics Canada’s geo‑enabled data down to the smallest level of detail available
GeoSearch
Interactive mapping application that makes it easy to find geographic areas in Canada for which census data are available
Geosuite
Software download
Useful for understanding census geography of your area of study

Mapping tools

Simply Analytics This link opens in a new window
SimplyAnalytics is a mapping, analytics and data visualization program providing demographic information including census data from year 2006-2021, current year estimates and 5 year projections, household spending data on hundreds of goods and services, and over 1 million detailed Canadian business profiles from Dun & Bradstreet. Additionally, users have access to the PRIZM marketing segmentation system, enabling researchers to understand target locations, or identify target markets. Data is largely available down to the Dissemination Area level. Access is limited to 5 concurrent users.

Community Information Database
Use maps to find socio-economic and demographic data and information for communities across Canada.
Google Maps Engine
Plot your points on a Google map
TourBuilder - from Google
Add photos and text to map points to create a virtual tour.
Users must have Google Earth installed to follow your tours
Stamen
Make quick, visually interesting maps
Overlay layers chosen from their basic menu
Easy to use
Best for simple visualizations of your area
Use in Firefox or Safari browsers
WorldMap
Open source tool
Create or find maps from around the world
Export map in multiple file types
CartoDB
Import your own data and choose your layers
Complies with many file formats such as .kml, ESRI, CSV and GEOJson
Useful for displaying changes over time

GIS files

2016 Census boundary files
Cartographic and digital boundary files of Statistics Canada's geographic boundaries
Census geography
Boundaries explained
Boundary files freely available
Scholars Geoportal
Your open tool to access geospatial datasets. Land-based vector data (water, cultural features, etc.), census geography, orthophotography, and more.
Listed here as a search tool. The files themselves may need to be accessed elsewhere. Contact the Library for assistance.
Canadian Health Regions - including boundary files
Digital boundary files reflecting health region limits in effect as of October 2013
MapInfo and ArcInfo files