Login FAQs

What are the benefits of creating an account?
Before you can save maps, download preferences, metadata searches, publish metadata (with publisher account access) or download any data, you must create and log into a user account. Saving maps allows you to easily return to a view of the map that meets your needs, without having to start over every time you want to use GeoSask.

I had an account that has now expired. What do I need to do to be able to use it again?
You have two options: 1) create a new account (see 'Creating an Account') or 2) contact the ISC Geomatics Distribution Centre Toll Free at 1-866-420-6577 or (306)787-2799 (Regina) or by email at saskmaps@isc.ca for further assistance.

Why am I asked to provide an email address?
We require your email address in order to send you data or to contact you for more information so that we can serve you better.

How do I change my email address? My password?
You can change your email address by clicking on Manage My Profile under 'My Functions' accessible on the left-side of most GeoSask pages. You can change your password by clicking on Change Password also under the 'My Functions' area.

Map Viewer FAQs

The UTM coordinates should appear in the bottom left corner of the Map Viewer and reflect the position of my mouse but I can't see them.  How do I fix this?
This issue can be fixed by modifying your browser settings.  Take the following steps (based on Internet Explorer 7, the currently supported browser):
 

1. Navigate to 'Internet Options' by clicking 'Tools' - 'Internet Options'.
2. In the 'Internet Options' window that opens, click on the 'Security' tab.
3. Ensure 'Internet' is selected in the 'Select a zone to view or change security settings' box.
4. In the 'Security level for this zone' area, click the 'Custom level...' button.
5. In the 'Security Settings - Internet Zone' window that opens, scroll down to 'Scripting'.
6. In the 'Allow status bar updates via script' area, click on the 'Enable' radio button.
7. Click 'OK'.

If you do not have the necessary permissions to perform these steps, please contact your system administrator.

How do I view a description of each layer that is shown in Map Viewer?
The quickest way to see a description of each layer is to click on the icon immediately to the left of the service or layer you are interested in.  Alternatively, you can perform a Metadata Search by that specific layer to view the metadata (i.e. data about data) pertaining to that layer. Look for the 'Description' area for a detailed explanation.

Can I move layers up and down within a service? Can I move layers across services? Can I move services up and down?
You cannot move layers up and down within a given service nor can you move layers across services. However, you can move services up and down by clicking the Move Services button, selecting the services you wish to move, and clicking the up or down arrow, as applicable, to move services to suit your viewing preferences.

How do I create a map as a starting point for a group of users?
This can be done by first creating the map view you would like then clicking on the Save button in the Map Viewer. Then select Create Map Link and click OK. Copy the link that appears in the 'Create Link to Map' screen and paste it into your email or word processor document. When recipients click on the link the map will open to the same view you saved.

How do I add a Web Feature Service?  A Web Map Service?
To add a Web Feature or Web Map Service, see the Map Viewer section of GeoSask Help, in particular the section titled 'Adding a Web Feature or Web Map Service to the Map Viewer'.

The layers don't line up. Why? Who do I contact?
Questions regarding the quality of data, alignment with other layers, etc. should be directed to the data publisher. Click on the Contact Us link on the GeoSask banner to locate the publisher contact information. Alternatively, click on the icon immediately to the left of the specific service or layer in question or perform a Metadata Search for the layer or service in question to locate the publisher contact information.

Can I save a map as an anonymous user? What if I created a map as an anonymous user and now want to save it for future reference?
You cannot save a map as an anonymous user. If you created a map and now wish to save it you can leave the map open, navigate to the GeoSask homepage (it will be in a separate window from the Map Viewer) and click on Create a New Account. Follow the steps and log in. Navigate back to the Map Viewer and you should now be able to save your map.

How do I find out how current a given map is?
The date of any map contained within GeoSask can be found by performing a Metadata Search for the service and clicking on View All Metadata. The date of the data is set out in the 'Publication Date'.
NOTE: You can jump to any section within the Metadata by holding the CTRL key down and hitting the F key. Then enter the word(s) you wish to find in the small window that appears and click Next.

Can I search using Map Viewer by a specific municipality?  By Township?  By NTS Map Sheet?  If not, how can I get this information?
Yes you can!  Click on Find in the Map Viewer, located to the left of the map window, and select from pre-defined drop-down lists or enter your search criteria, as applicable. You can also use the zoom features to obtain the view you wish. Ensure the appropriate layers are visible (e.g. if searching by municipalities ensure the Urban Municipality and/or Rural Municipality layer, as applicable, is checked in the layer directory on the left-side of the Map Viewer). Certain layers become visible the more you zoom in.

How do I find what each color represents on my map? What about if I add services?
Click on the View Map Legend button in the Map Viewer toolbar. All features displayed on the map will appear in the Map Legend for all services viewable in the Map Viewer. Resize the Map Legend window that appears as necessary.

Is there any way to hide the list of layers on the left side of my Map Viewer screen so I can maximize the size of the map?
No. Care has been taken to ensure users are able to manipulate the views on the map while, at the same time, providing a maximum viewing area. You can take further steps to ensure maximum size of the map by adjusting your screen resolution. This is done by right-clicking on your desktop and clicking on Properties and then Settings (note: this screen resolution will be in effect for all programs on your computer so change it back after you're done with the Map Viewer if you find the writing too small). Be sure to maximize the Map Viewer window for maximum viewing area.

How do I get back to the beginning and start fresh with a new Map?
You have two options: 1) click on the New Map button on the Map Viewer toolbar (you will be given the option to save the map you are currently working on); or 2) close Map Viewer and open a new Map Viewer session by clicking on the Map Viewer link on the GeoSask homepage.

Metadata Search FAQs

What is metadata?
In short, metadata is data about data. It describes geographic information system (GIS) resources in the same way a card in a library's card catalog describes a book. Once you've found a resource with a search, the metadata record that describes that resource will help you decide whether it's suitable for your purposes. To make this decision, you may need to know how accurate or current the resource is and if there are any restrictions on how it can be used. Metadata can answer these questions.

I found metadata pertaining to secured data.  I get a message saying that I do not have permission to view this data.  What do I do now?
Some data on GeoSask is restricted by the publishers of the data.  Any inquiries on obtaining privileges to view this data should be directed to the publisher of the data.  The publisher is set out in the metadata pertaining to that data.

How do I find out how current a given set of metadata is?
The currency date of any metadata contained within GeoSask can be found by performing a Metadata Search for the service and clicking on View All Metadata. The date of the metadata is set out in the 'Metadata Date' field located in the 'Metadata Reference Information' section. 
NOTE: You can jump to any section within the Metadata by holding the CTRL key down and hitting the "F" key. Then enter the word(s) you wish to find in the small window that appears and click Next.

How do I locate the Metadata standards used for spatial data? For static data?
Questions around current metadata standards to which all spatial and static data contained on GeoSask are subject should be directed to the ISC Geomatics Distribution Centre.  See the Contact Us area of GeoSask for contact information.

There does not appear to be specific metadata for every layer shown in my Map Viewer. How can I locate it?
You can perform a Metadata Search for the specific service the layer is a part of. Click on the View All Metadata button in the Metadata Search Results. If the metadata is still not available then contact the publisher of the metadata. Contact information can be found within the metadata or via the Contact Us link located in the top banner of GeoSask.

Can I search using Metadata Search by a specific municipality? By Township? By NTS Map Sheet? If not, how can I get this information?
You cannot use Metadata Search to search by a specific municipality, township or NTS Map Sheet. You can, however, accomplish this by using the 'Where' functions in Metadata Search (see the Metadata Search area of Help). Ensure the appropriate layers are visible (e.g., if searching by municipalities ensure the Urban Municipality and/or Rural Municipality layer, as applicable, is checked in the layer directory on the left-side of the Map Viewer). Certain layers become visible the more you zoom in.  You can also begin your search using the Map Viewer and use the Find options to get to the area you are interested in.  From there, select the services and layers that you are interested in.  To access the metadata pertaining to these services and layers, simply click on the icon located immediately to the left of the service and layer names.

I've entered information but I get no results? Why?
If the metadata fields are not populated then the metadata search cannot filter on those non-populated fields. You should contact the publisher of the data for more information. Click on the Contact Us link on the GeoSask banner to locate the publisher contact information. Alternatively, perform a Metadata Search for the service in question to locate the publisher contact information.

Can I search for metadata by a specific publisher?
Yes. In Metadata Search simply ensure you select the publisher you wish to see metadata for in the 'Who' field. Select no other criteria and a list of all metadata for that specific publisher will be displayed.

Can I use metadata created with other software products?
Yes you can. The metadata must be FGDC, ISO-19115 DIS, or ISO-19139 compliant.

Can I download/upload metadata records?
Only the Portal administrator and the owner (publisher) of the metadata record can download/upload metadata in XML format. Other users of GeoSask cannot download/upload metadata records.

Why does the name of the data file not match the Metadata provided by the Publisher?
A generic process is used for the distribution of data from GeoSask because of the large number of layers that are available.  This generic process directly accesses ISCs data repository where the information that is stored may not directly match the Metadata that is provided by the publisher.  The generic process does not use the information from the Metadata to rename the distributed data.  ISC is aware of this issue and is working to resolve this issue to provide more consistent data to our customers.

Why do the attribute names in my Shape data not match the Metadata that is provided by the Publisher?
A generic process is used for the distribution of data from GeoSask because of the large number of layers that are available.  This generic process directly accesses ISCs data repository where the information that is stored may not directly match the Metadata that is provided by the publisher.  This means that the attribute (column) names that are output may not match the Metadata that is provided by the publishers.  For example, the shape (SHP) format limits attribute names to 12 characters, and if an attribute name is longer than 12 characters it will be truncated or abbreviated within the generic distribution process.  ISC is aware of this issue and is working to resolve this issue to provide more consistent data to our customers.

Download FAQs

What types of data are available for download? Spatial data? Static data?
There are four main types of data that can be downloaded. They are:

• Spatial Data - available through the Map Viewer
• Pre-Packaged Spatial Data - available through the Pre-Packaged Data Gallery
• Static Maps - available through the Map Gallery
• Applications - available through the Application Gallery - although not actual data, these are typically online map services that allow you to view data

How can I generate cartographic text from a GeoSask download?
Dependent on the GIS software and format you are using, you may be able to add an extension to your software that generates cartographic text based on the attributes of the data.  For more information, see the Download - Map Viewer section of GeoSask Help and, more specifically, the section on 'Cartographic Text'.

What volume constraints are in place and why? Why am I restricted in how much data I can download?
Volume constraints have been in put in place to ensure maximum performance of GeoSask for all users. Actual constraints will be monitored as usage of GeoSask increases and may be adjusted without notice.  Current constraints are detailed in GeoSask Help and, in particular, in the 'Download - Map Viewer' section.

If I can view something in Map Viewer does that mean I can download it?
Yes and no. For most services provided by GeoSask (a list of which can be seen in the Gallery Matrix accessible in the Information Centre), you can download the information you see in Map Viewer, subject to download restrictions and volume constraints. For services not provided by GeoSask, you are not able to download their data. Also, you cannot download data pertaining to Web Feature Services or Web Map Services.  You should contact those service providers directly for more information.

If I am not allowed to download the data I want, how can I get it?
You should contact the data provider directly for more information.

How do I obtain the metadata for the data I want to download?
You can perform a search using the Metadata Search function within GeoSask for the specific metadata you require or you can use the Map Viewer and click on the icon immediately to the left of the service or layer name you would like metadata for.

How do I obtain a custom map? When should I request a custom map?
Custom maps can be obtained directly from the ISC Geomatics Distribution Centre. Conversely, there are professionals in the industry that also provide maps. An example of a time to request a custom map is if the map area/size you require exceeds the download restrictions of GeoSask or if you wish to create a map for commercial purposes.

How do I know that the data is being downloaded? How long can I expect to wait for the download to complete?
Depending on how you are downloading, a window will typically pop up providing information on how to obtain your data. For smaller requests, much of the data is accessible directly from the portal and should be available within seconds. For larger requests, you may be directed to the GeoSask FTP site for offline processing during non-peak hours - these types of requests can range from several hours to as long as a few days, depending on customer demand when the request is received. Once downloaded to the FTP site, all downloads to the FTP site will remain available for 24 hours.  For custom requests, timeframes will be provided as part of the estimate given by the ISC Geomatics Distribution Centre.

There are duplicate layers in my download.  Why is this happening and what can I do?
Certain layers in the GeoSaskBaseMap service are automatically turned on in the Map Viewer to help improve usability.  This is necessary to help our users orient themselves when using the 'Find' features in the Map Viewer.  To ensure no duplicate layers are included in your download, simply de-select the GeoSaskBaseMap service PRIOR to downloading.

What if the email address shown in the Download screen is incorrect? How do I change it?
Once logged in, you can click on the Manage my Profile link located in the 'My Functions' area on the GeoSask homepage. From there you can update your email address.