Dissemination Area Boundary Files, Canada, Census year 2006 - ARCHIVED

The Dissemination Area Boundary Files portray the dissemination area boundaries for which 2006 Census data are disseminated. A dissemination area is a small area composed of one or more neighbouring dissemination blocks and is the smallest standard geographic area for which all census data are disseminated. The files contain the boundaries of more than 54,600 dissemination areas which cover all of Canada.

There are two types of boundary files: digital and cartographic. Digital files depict the full extent of the geographical areas, including the coastal water area. Cartographic files depict the geographical areas using only the major land mass of Canada and its coastal islands. The files provide a framework for mapping and spatial analysis using commercially available geographic information systems or other mapping software. They are positionally consistent with the 2006 Road Network File, which can provide additional geographic context for mapping applications.

The Dissemination Area Boundary Files are projected in latitude/longitude coordinates and are based on the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). A reference guide is available (92-160-GWE).