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Base Features

Explore Alberta’s diverse landscape

Base Features is a comprehensive GIS-ready dataset compiled and maintained by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) since 1996. This dataset provides a highly detailed and accurate representation of Alberta's topography, leveraging various sources like topographic maps, aerial and satellite imagery for unparalleled precision.

Base Features includes over 70 layers of information, categorized into 5 major themes: Access, Geo-Administrative Areas, Hydrography, Alberta Township System (ATS) and Contour Linework.

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Why Altalis Base Features Mapping Stands Out

open dataset

Open Dataset

This dataset is freely available to the public under the Open Data License.

ongoing updates

Ongoing Updates

Base Features themes are regularly updated to ensure accuracy and reliability.

comprehensive dataset

Comprehensive Dataset

This dataset includes 70 topographic layers, making it a go-to resource for diverse applications.

Powerline in Alberta

Access

Access refers to the location and nature of features used to gain vehicular, non-vehicular and/or pedestrian access to land and resource dispositions related to surface activities in Alberta.

The Base Features Access and Facility layer: 

  • Access: primary and secondary roads, railways, airstrips, powerlines, seismic lines, cutlines (cleared paths through forests), and trails.
  • Facilities: power stations, oil and gas plants, gravel and sand pits, and more.

This layer is essential for transportation planning, logistics, and emergency response, providing critical information about road accessibility and connectivity across Alberta.

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Geo-Administrative Areas

This layer defines the boundaries of areas in Alberta with specific land-use regulations or management practices. These boundaries are legally established to help administer and control land use.

  • Base Features Mapping includes 56 different geo-administrative areas.

  • These boundaries are important for understanding: 

    • Various jurisdiction & municipal boundaries
    • Applicable regulations and land-use restrictions
    • Management responsibilities for different areas

Data Management:

  • Maintained by: Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA)
  • Updated frequently: Altalis integrates an average of 2-3 updated layers per month, ensuring the data is current and reliable.

This layer is essential for anyone involved in land-use planning, development, or resource management in Alberta.

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hydrography

Hydrography

This layer provides a detailed and comprehensive map of Alberta's water resources. It includes:

  • Water Bodies: Detailed outlines (polygons) of lakes, ponds, and rivers.
  • Watercourses: A connected network of lines representing rivers, streams, and other waterways, including flow direction indicators.
  • Point Events: Specific locations of interest related to water, such as springs and waterfalls.

Ongoing Updates:

  • Base Hydro Update: In 2019, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) released the first phase of a provincial Hydrography update, starting in southern Alberta, which will continue to expand in phases as funding and resources become available. This updated layer will eventually replace the existing provincial dataset, providing more current, accurate, and detailed information about Alberta's hydrography.

This layer is essential for water resource management, environmental analysis, infrastructure planning, and other applications requiring accurate information about Alberta's water systems.

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Alberta Township System (ATS)

The Base Feature ATS layer precisely represents Alberta's land division system.

  • Displays the location of Quarter Sections and Road Allowance Segment polygons.
  • Based on March 2005 "frozen" 4.1 version of the Master Alberta Township System.
  • Offers a consistent and reliable survey reference grid for the entire province of Alberta.

This layer is essential for land management, resource planning, and legal descriptions, defining the fundamental land division system used throughout Alberta.

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Alberta Township System
Contour linework

Contour Linework

This Base Feature Contour layer provides a detailed representation of Alberta's terrain.

  • Offers 2D linework with 10-meter contour intervals (20-meter in mountainous regions).
  • Includes arcs and index annotation for a seamless cartographic representation.
  • Derived from aerial photography captured in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

This layer is valuable for generalized terrain analysis, engineering projects, and environmental modelling, providing elevation information to understand the shape and slope of the land.

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View the Base Features Video

Who Uses Base Features Mapping Data?

Base Features topographic layers in GIS mapping data are fundamental for spatial analysis, visualization, navigation, and data management. They provide the essential context for understanding and interpreting geographic information, ultimately leading to better decision-making and improved outcomes in various fields.

Altalis Base Features products cater to a wide range of users, each with specific needs and applications.

Government and Public Agencies
  • Use detailed geographic information for land use planning, zoning, infrastructure development, and emergency management.
  • Assess environmental impact, monitor natural resources, and plan conservation efforts using topographic and hydrographic data.
  • Plan and maintain road networks, railways, and other transportation infrastructure using access and geo-administrative data.

View Government Industry Spotlight

Resource and Energy Sector
  • Using topographic and infrastructure data, identify potential drilling sites, plan pipeline routes, and manage environmental compliance.   
  • Explore and assess mineral deposits, plan mine development, and monitor environmental impact.
  • Manage forest resources, plan harvesting operations, and monitor forest health.
  • Provide detailed access information to forest fires and other natural disasters.

View Oil and Gas Industry Spotlight

Agriculture and Land Management:
  • Plan and manage operations, including crop rotation, irrigation, and livestock grazing.
  • Used to support environmental assessments.
  • Identify and protect critical habitats, monitor biodiversity, and plan restoration projects.
Infrastructure and Construction
  • Design and plan infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and pipelines.
  • Utilize the topographic and infrastructure data for site preparation, construction planning, and project management.   
  • Plan and maintain their networks, including power lines, water pipelines, and telecommunication infrastructure.
Academia and Research
  • Universities and Research Institutions: Conduct geographic research, analyze spatial patterns, and develop new mapping technologies.
  • Students and Educators: Utilize the data for educational purposes, such as teaching geography, environmental science, and urban planning.  
General Public and Recreational Users
  • Hikers, Campers, and Outdoor Enthusiasts: Plan their trips, navigate trails, and explore natural areas.
  • General Public: Utilize the data for various purposes, such as finding directions, exploring their local area, and understanding their surroundings.