How can the government learn about the country’s physical and social characteristics, the location of its mineral, agricultural and forestry resources, the vulnerable areas along its borders, the best ways to distribute land among immigrants, and communication routes?

Cartography provides an answer to many of these questions. In the 1800s, the government of Canada established cartography services that produced topographical, geological, pedological, forestry and hydrographic maps.

In response to technological and industrial growth, other maps such as aeronautical maps, inventories of lands, telecommunications maps, etc. have been added. These reflect our knowledge about our country and our needs in a world which is constantly changing.

Nunavut Territory, 1993
NMC 161029