3. How to use this product

Purpose of the product
Using the Census Subdivision Boundary File with other boundary files
Limitations
Comparison with other products

Purpose of the product

The Census Subdivision Boundary File portrays the boundaries for census subdivisions and as such often extends as straight lines into bodies of water.

The Census Subdivision Boundary File supports spatial analysis and thematic mapping of data. With the appropriate computer software, the boundary file provides the framework for thematic mapping to support applications such as: land use and demographic studies, or social, economic and market research. Boundary files can also be used to create new geographic areas by aggregating standard geographic areas and for other data manipulations available with the user’s software. The boundary files are positionally consistent with the Road Network File, which provides additional geographic context for mapping applications.

Using the Census Subdivision Boundary File with other boundary files

When considering using the Census Subdivision Boundary File, one should be aware of the compatibility of this file with other similar files. Other boundary files are available for download on the Internet from other websites; however, they may not be positionally compatible with Statistics Canada files.

Limitations

The positional accuracy of the Census Subdivision Boundary File does not support cadastral, surveying, digitizing or engineering applications.

The data used to create this product are based on source data that had a wide range of scales. Boundary files will not be precise if plotted at a larger scale than the scale of the source material used in its creation.

Comparison with other products

  • This Census Subdivision Boundary File is not necessarily compatible with 2006 Census Geography products. It does not replace the 2006 Census Subdivision Boundary File which is a similar product available as part of the 2006 suite of Geography products, and used in conjunction with products and services from the 2006 Census.
  • The Interim List of Changes to Municipal Boundaries, Status, and Names (January 2, 2009 to January 1, 2010) may be used to identify changes to Census Subdivision names, types and boundaries between the 2009 Census Subdivision Boundary File and the 2010 Census Subdivision Boundary File.
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