2. Overview

The maps are designed to provide spatial reference for 2011 Census statistical data, enabling users to locate boundaries and relate 2011 Census statistical data to physical locations.

Reference maps illustrate the location of the 2011 Census standard geographic areas for which 2011 Census statistical data are tabulated and disseminated. The maps display the boundaries, names and unique identifiers of 2011 Census standard geographic areas, as well as roads, railroads, coastlines, rivers and lakes.

More than 10,000 reference maps are available from the 2011 Census. Given the diversity in size of 2011 Census standard geographic areas, different map scales and map coverages are required to show the appropriate level of detail. Detailed descriptions of each series are provided in the Content section of this reference guide.

The 2011 Census statistical data are disseminated for a variety of 2011 Census standard geographic areas ranging from the national level down to the dissemination block. Appendix B shows the hierarchy of standard geographic units and indicates whether 2011 Census standard geographic areas are administrative or statistical. Administrative areas include census subdivisions, census divisions, and provinces and territories. Statistics Canada established the Standard Geographical Classification (SGC) to organize these three types of 2011 Census standard geographic areas using a hierarchy of standard geographic codes. Reference maps depict the boundaries of these 2011 Census standard geographic areas and help users put 2011 Census statistical data in a spatial context.

There is a national coverage of census divisions, census subdivisions, dissemination areas, dissemination blocks and federal electoral districts. Throughout all of the 2011 Census map series, the 2011 Census geographic areas are displayed in some manner.

All reference maps are available separately in portable document format (PDF) from the Statistics Canada website at www.statcan.gc.ca for free download.

The reference maps, where applicable, contain embedded links enabling users to link between maps as is the case on 2006 Census reference maps.