|
|
ON-LINE AND INTERACTIVE — NATIONAL ATLAS OF CANADA
LAUNCHED ON THE INTERNET
OTTAWA — Searching for a map of major river systems in Western Canada? Wondering where
Canada’s oil resources are located? Interested in knowing which part of Canada receives the most
rainfall?
The answers to these questions and a wide variety of other information about Canada can be found in
the latest, on-line edition of the National Atlas of Canada. Jean McCloskey, Deputy Minister of Natural
Resources Canada (NRCan), launched the sixth edition of the National Atlas of Canada today on behalf
of NRCan Minister Ralph Goodale, at the International Cartographic Association conference in Ottawa.
“Making accurate, detailed maps has been a key part of Canada’s development and growth,” said
Minister Goodale. “Today, a complete set of maps using the latest technologies is still essential. The
National Atlas of Canada is an up-to-date, authoritative source of information that Canadians need, for
example, to wisely manage the environment and promote the sustainable development and use of
natural resources.”
The sixth edition of the National Atlas of Canada is only available on the Internet and is a key
component of GeoConnections, a new program that brings all of Canada’s geographic information
together in one place on the information highway. The Atlas features a comprehensive array of maps
dealing with the country’s physical geography, geology, history, society, demographic characteristics
and economic activities. As additions are made to the Atlas, it also provide information on a wide
variety of subjects, such as the exploration of Canada, climate, Aboriginal peoples, resources and
socioeconomic patterns.
“In the knowledge-based economy of the 21st century, how we develop, use, share and distribute
information of all sorts will be vital to Canada’s success,” said Minister Goodale. “That’s why it’s
important that the National Atlas is a completely digital, interactive, user-friendly document available on
the Internet 24 hours a day.”
Although the National Atlas is no longer a set of conventional printed maps, familiar components of a
map, such as a legend and table of contents, have been maintained. However, the electronic Atlas
offers many advantages over traditional mapping. Users will be able to zoom in on a particular area of
a map, create, save and print customized maps, download National Atlas of Canada base maps, and
access educational resources. Also, the atlas is flexible enough to meet the needs of all Canadians,
whether they are first-time map readers or seasoned researchers.
The National Atlas of Canada was first published by the Department of the Interior in 1906 and was one
of the world's first national atlases. Updated editions were then published in 1915, 1958, 1974 and
1994. The National Atlas of Canada is produced by Geomatics Canada, which is part of NRCan.
For more information, media may contact:
John Embury
Press Secretary
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available on the Internet at
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/
The National Atlas of Canada is available on the Internet at: http://atlas.gc.ca
Return to News Page
|

Sponsored by:

For information regarding advertising rates Click Here!
|