Mapping tools and resources

The provincial government provides free web-based mapping tools for the public to use. These tools help you create maps and drawings for your projects or research the land base for existing activities before applying for permits and authorizations.

On this page

• Mapping tools
• Mapping tool comparison chart
• Mapping resources

Mapping tools

These popular mapping programs are used in the natural resource sector. Choose the best one for your needs. 

To understand what you see in these mapping programs, refer to a list of common natural resource layers (XLSX, 60KB), which explains what layers are displayed and what each layer means for natural resources. 

Discovery Tool

Discovery Tool is a Google Earth tool with natural resource sector related data layers, providing basic information on how the land base is currently used.

Integrated Land and Resource Registry

Established under the Land Act, the Integrated Land and Resource Registry (ILRR) is the central registry of land and regulated natural resource activity in B.C. The ILRR provides access to up-to-date land and resource information for public and government use to identify potential land use restrictions. The ILRR has multiple functions and uses including an interactive web map, importing/exporting spatial data, area of interest creation, report generation, custom query capability, and land use notifications tools.s

iMapBC

iMapBC is a general map viewer used for viewing a large variety of natural resource spatial data, including land interest layers. You can upload shape files and text files, or draw a shape on screen and drill-down for detailed information on areas that overlap your area of interest. It includes some analysis tools to create data queries, or run pre-canned reports.

Mineral map viewers

CWM is the map viewer used for title and reserve site searches and event registrations where a map is provided to select cells or titles. This includes event registrations such as acquisition, reduction and subdivision.

IMF2 is the mapping and query tool map viewer. This service provides tools for map creation, drawing or markup, and printing. This viewer also allows for detailed searches of mineral, placer and coal titles; mineral and coal land reserves; primary parcels; Crown grants or wildlife features among others.

BC Water Resources Atlas

BC Water Resources Atlas is an iMAP application specific to water data. Allows you to query and find detailed water and related data such as watersheds, water quantity and quality monitoring sites, aquifers, water wells and flood protection.

BC Agriculture Water Calculator

The BC Agriculture Water Calculator helps agriculture water users in B.C. estimate the annual irrigation or livestock water demand for a farm. Irrigation water demand estimates are made based on the geographic location of the farm, as well as its soil type, crop type and type of irrigation. Livestock water demand estimates are made for a given number and type of animals.

Water Licence Search

Water Licence Search is an online application (not map-based) that provides information on authorized water use in B.C. by searching the stream name, water use purpose, or water licence number.

Mapping tool comparison chart

This chart summarizes key features available in the mapping tools described above. 

For a detailed comparison of mapping tools, check the Mapping Tools Comparison Chart (PDF, 155KB). If you need help with the chart or understanding the tool descriptions, contact FrontCounter BC.

Mapping resources

Spatial file formats

The government supports a wide variety of spatial file formats. When a client submits an application for a licence, permit, registration or other authorization, they are often required to submit a spatial file of the area where they wish to conduct business. Commonly Used Spatial File Formats (PDF, 165KB) describes the most commonly used formats.

The Geomark Web Service will convert a spatial file from one format to another. There are many different file formats to choose from. You can also create a URL of your spatial file that you can share with others.

Projection and coordinate systems

Projection and Coordinate Systems 101 (PDF, 100KB) provides a brief description of what projections and coordinate systems are and which ones are widely used in the provincial government.

Water licence application drawing standards

The Water Licence Application Drawing Standards (PDF, 1525 KB) apply to water licence applications and use approval applications. Applicants are required to meet the drawing standards.