Overview

Census Subdivision Boundary File

The Census Subdivision Boundary File is a product that depicts boundaries of census subdivision standard geographic units. In this reference guide, the term 'standard geographic units' is used to refer to the geographical levels defined in the Standard Geographical Classification, Volume I and geographical levels established primarily for the purpose of collecting and disseminating census data. A diagram illustrating the hierarchy of standard geographic units is included in this guide.

The Census Subdivision Boundary File provides a framework for mapping and spatial analysis. Digital files depict the full extent of the geographical areas, including the coastal water area. The files are available in three formats: ArcInfo^® (.shp), Geography Markup Language (.gml) and MapInfo^® (.tab).

Reference date

The geographic reference date is a date determined by Statistics Canada to finalize the geographic framework. The geographic reference date for this edition of the Census Subdivision Boundary File is January 1, 2010.