This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

FOCUS ON:

Earth Observation essential for geohazard mitigation

More than 250 scientists from around the world gathered for a five-day workshop at ESA's Earth Observation Centre in Frascati.

more

Upcoming Events

more

About GeoConnections

GeoConnections helps decision-makers use online location-based (or "geospatial") information, such as maps and satellite images, to tackle some of Canada's most pressing challenges. The program focuses on working with partners in public health, public safety and security, the environment and sustainable development, Aboriginal matters, and geomatics technology development.

Improving Canadians' quality of life by enhancing decision making

By helping make location-based data and technologies accessible and useful to decision-makers in public health, public safety and security, the environment and sustainable development, and Aboriginal matters, GeoConnections is contributing in numerous ways to a better quality of life for Canadians. For example,

  • a public-health practitioner could use web mapping to explore the potential link between a community's air quality and its incidence of respiratory problems,
  • an emergency preparedness official could plan responses to natural disasters or terrorist attacks,
  • an environmental consultant could determine whether a proposed highway would affect an endangered species' habitat, and
  • an aboriginal community could model its forest operations and manage its timber harvests sustainably.

Getting to know GeoConnections

Click on the links below to get more information about the GeoConnections program:

Co-funding offered to develop tailored solutions

Now in its second phase, which will run from 2005 to 2010, GeoConnections is working to ensure that decision-makers in key areas benefit from the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI), a one-stop searchable portal for a wealth of location-based information. We are accomplishing this objective by co-funding projects that encourage key decision-making audiences (public health, public safety and security, the environment and sustainable development, and Aboriginal matters) to work with the Canadian geomatics sector in developing technologies that meet their specific needs.

Partners play a vital role

GeoConnections is a national partnership program led by Natural Resources Canada. Although GeoConnections acts as a catalyst in creating solutions for decision-makers in the four priority areas, the program also relies heavily on its partners. These partners can be private companies, government agencies at all levels, non-government organizations, academic institutions, or sometimes a combination of the above. We devote ample time and energy to establishing and nurturing partnerships because they anchor the success of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure as an online resource to support decision making.

Streamlining data policies simplifies data access and usage

GeoConnections also brings Canada's geomatics community together to agree on policies that simplify data licensing, access, and sharing. For example, we worked with data providers in governments across the country to streamline the data licensing process by encouraging the community to adopt a standard form for issuing data licenses. By fulfilling this role of coordinator, GeoConnections assists Canada's geomatics community to pull in the same direction and thereby do more in less time at less cost.

National standards characterize the CGDI and expand its value

GeoConnections also strongly advocates the use of national standards. By encouraging technology developers, solutions developers, and data suppliers to adhere to national standards endorsed for the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI), GeoConnections greatly enhances the CGDI's value to Canadians. That's because standardized data or applications accessible via the CGDI from one provider can then easily be layered or used with those from another. This interoperability will often produce richer and more useful information than a single data set can provide.

The standards that GeoConnections advocates for the CGDI mirror many international geomatics standards. This characteristic means that Canadian applications developers and data suppliers can easily export their technologies, data, and expertise to other countries adhering to the same international standards.

GeoConnections negotiates and develops data standards and policies with government agencies at the federal and provincial/ territorial levels domestically and with governments and standards bodies internationally.

Representative governance structure provides leadership and direction

GeoConnections is governed by a management board, operated by a secretariat, and guided by numerous advisory committees, four of which represent the interests of GeoConnections' key audiences. By thoroughly understanding the information needs and challenges of decision-makers in our four key areas, the program is well positioned to request and fund independent project proposals that deliver the most sought-after solutions for end-users in those areas.

GeoConnections serves as an international model

Recognized around the world for its prominent role in building the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure, GeoConnections can serve as a model for other countries to emulate in creating their own national geospatial data infrastructure. As such, GeoConnections' influence extends well beyond Canada's borders, furthering the country's reputation as an international geomatics leader and innovator, and helping other nations around the globe.