Module 2 - Using the CGDI - FAQs

  1. What does it cost to use CGDI services?

  2. Why invest so many resources into making maps available online, when they already exist on paper?

  3. How does the CGDI and GeoConnections fit with "Connecting Canadians"?



1. What does it cost to use CGDI services?

The Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure is being developed with investments from many different partners, and can be accessed through the Internet for free. Various provincial, territorial, academic and private sector partners in the CGDI offer their raw data and application services either free or on a cost-recovery basis, according to their policies.




2. Why invest so many resources into making maps available online, when they already exist on paper?

Maps can locate many kinds of information, but paper-based maps are static and limited to what can be printed and read. Online geospatial digital data sets are dynamic: they can be created, updated, refined, mixed and manipulated to suit individual users’ needs. They are research tools that can be adapted depending on the use , rather than "one size fits all" products. Of course, paper-based maps will continue to be used, indeed, they will be produced from digital geospatial data sets for a wide variety of applications. This new generation of maps will integrate, correlate and enhance data as never before.





3. How does the CGDI and GeoConnections fit with "Connecting Canadians"?

Canada On Line (Infrastructure and Access for the 21st Century) gives Canadians access to a world-leading information technology infrastructure. Highlights of this government initiative are:

  • Smart Communities. Already, 20 Canadian communities qualify as world-class "smart communities" because of their level of access to information technology.
  • Electronic Commerce is a vital factor in making Canada a location of choice for developing commercial electronic products and services.
  • Canadian Governments are On Line, offering single-window access to government services and information.
  • Canadian Content On Line is increasing Canadian content.
  • Promoting a Connected Canada to the World is consolidating a sustained electronic presence for Canada in the world.

In this context, CGDI contributes to these goals by offering:
  • Access to a world-leading infrastructure of geospatial data and content;
  • A tool for smart communities that lets them use geospatial data that helps them develop and grow;
  • Single-window access to federal geospatial services and information;
  • Access to geospatial data and content holdings of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, academia and the private sector; and
  • Increased availability to international geospatial content online.