Freshwater Atlas

The Freshwater Atlas is a standardized dataset for mapping British Columbia's hydrological features. The atlas defines watershed boundaries and provides a connected network of streams, lakes and wetlands. This network serves as the foundation for sophisticated analysis and modelling.

On this page

• About the Freshwater Atlas
• Get Freshwater Atlas data
• Technical information
• Contact us

About the Freshwater Atlas

The quality of B.C.’s water is a reflection of the environmental, economic and social well-being of our province. The Freshwater Atlas is a tool designed to manage and preserve our freshwater resources for future generations.

• Freshwater Atlas Executive Summary (PDF)

The Freshwater atlas is the main source for mapping freshwater features in British Columbia. It uses a consistent system so that all freshwater-related records in the province are based on the same foundation.

To get the best results from Freshwater Atlas data, it's recommended to view it at a scale larger than 1:75,000. The dataset is available in ARC_SDE format and BC Albers projection.

You can explore the Freshwater Atlas data through a web-based application that follows WMS standards. You can create customized maps by combining Freshwater Atlas data with other provincial datasets.

Watersheds

Watersheds are natural boundaries that help define where administrative areas and land ownership start and end. Each stream has its own watershed, but these watersheds are also connected to nearby streams and their watersheds.

The Freshwater Atlas is a tool that lets people see how streams are connected to each other and to their watersheds. This document discusses a new standard for defining assessment watersheds in British Columbia:

• Overview of Assessment Watersheds (PDF)

Get Freshwater Atlas data

Get provincial freshwater resource data, including watershed boundaries, by downloading the Freshwater Atlas from the B.C. Data Catalogue.

• Search for Freshwater Atlas Datasets

Freshwater Atlas data can be viewed through the iMapBC application.

• View the Freshwater Atlas in iMapBC

Get access at no cost to the National Hydro Network datasets, metadata and work units:

• GeoBase Data Collections

Pricing

Technical information

A high-level overview of intended and potential uses of Freshwater Atlas data:

• Using Freshwater Atlas Data (PDF)

The following documents provide guidance on accessing Freshwater Atlas data:

• Freshwater Atlas User Guide (PDF)
• Freshwater Atlas Model Glossary (PDF)
• Freshwater Atlas Warehouse Model Specification (PDF)

Descriptions of Freshwater Atlas data available from the B.C. Geographic Warehouse (BCGW):

• Freshwater Atlas BCGW Key (PDF)

Contact us

For help or technical assistance, contact GeoBC.

General enquiries: GeoBCinfo@gov.bc.ca 

• About GeoBC 

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