To understand the numbering of these maps, refer to the National Topographic System Index Maps. The area covered by a given mapsheet is determined by its location in Canada. The vector datasets include: The National Hydrography Dataset (s), Watershed Boundary Dataset, Governmental Boundary Units, Transportation, Structures, Elevation. Each map in this system has a unique number, which is a combination of numbers and letters. The Topographic Maps and geographical information system (GIS) data provided in The National Map are pre-generated into downloadable products often available in multiple formats. They are available in two standard scales: 1:50 000 and 1:250 000. Topographic maps produced by NRCan conform to the National Topographic System (NTS) of Canada. This section provides information to facilitate the use of topographic maps, and also how to obtain paper and digital maps. Why? Because they represent the earth's features accurately and to scale, on a two-dimensional surface. Topographic maps are suitable for a wide variety of applications, from emergency management, urban planning, surveying, resource development, to camping, canoeing, hunting and fishing to name a few.
