[70043,2357] Steve Carter/MA Lib: 6 MAPCAN.TXT Text, Bytes: 5626, Count: 252, 18-Feb-94 Title : Obtaining Detailed Maps for Canada Keywords: MAP CANADA RESEARCH ARCHIVE TOPOGRAPHICAL How to obtain detailed, topographical maps for specified regions of Canada. These maps may be either the most modern maps available or the oldest maps available. The costs are reasonable, and such maps are invaluable for the serious researcher. These maps will help the researcher find those tiny hamlets that are not listed in any but the most detailed, old gazetteer. They will also help the researcher select the correct census enumeration districts, parish registers, cemeteries, etc. Uploaded by Steve Carter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Finding Canadian Maps After too many years of trying to perform research in Quebec without adequate maps of the region, I recently discovered how and where to obtain such maps. It has always been extraordinarily difficult to discover the exact location of 1) tiny towns which do not appear on ordinary, modern maps; 2) towns which no longer exist; or 3) towns which have changed names or boundaries. In addition, it is often necessary to search census returns of bordering towns, to account for the fact that census enumeration districts often had boundaries which varied from ordinary town boundaries. But it is very difficult to determine the correct selection of towns to search without a very detailed map--particularly a map that is as close to the time period as possible. Now there is a way to get the maps you need! - - - - - - Process Overview: 1. Using modern topographical map grids, select the map area(s) of interest. 2. If modern topographical maps are desired, order these from the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources Canada. 3. If older political maps are desired, order these either from the National Archives of Canada or through the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources Canada. - - - - - - Detailed Process: 1. The first step is to obtain a map grid of modern topographical maps. Three such map grids are available, for different portions of Canada: Maps of the National Topographic System of Canada Index 1 - Eastern Canada Index 2 - Western Canada Index 3 - Northern Canada Request the appropriate map grid (index) and a price list from the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources Canada at: Canada Map Office 615 Booth Street Ottowa, Ontario K1A 0E9 CANADA (613) 952-7000 (613) 957-8861 (fax) There is a public sales counter at: 130 Bentley Avenue Nepean, Ontario 2. When the map grid (index) arrives, you will see that it is divided into many rectangular areas, each identified with a grid number such as "31 G/5" and a second number such as "87." The second number is the year of the most recent survey for this map (i.e. 1987). Determine the map(s) you need on the map grid, and make a note of the grid number(s) and year(s) of publication. 3. If you would like to order a modern, topographical map for the selected area(s), you may order these from the same Map Office described above. Specify both the grid number and year of publication for each selected map. The most detailed maps (1:50,000, or 1 cm = .50 km) cost C$8.20 each at the time of this writing. Shipping flat in a tube cost C$3.50 at the time of this writing. Please specify flat or folded for maps. Mastercard and Visa orders are accepted. Make checks payable to "Receiver General for Canada." If you prefer to send cash instead of using a credit card, you may wish to download MONEY.TXT from the Roots forum of CIS for tips on sending funds outside the US. 4. If you wish to order the oldest available topographical maps, you should write or telephone the Map Office above with your selected grid number(s). Ask for the oldest topographical map available for each grid number you selected. If you are telephoning, someone will take the information and your number and return your call in a few days. Older topographical maps are photocopied, and will not have the colors of modern maps. They may also lack some of the elevation detail of modern maps. Although I did not inquire about the range of dates for all old topograhical maps, the oldest available dates for the maps I requested were in the 1880 - 1915 range. Since these were for parts of Quebec which have been settled since the mid- to late 1700s, it seems unlikely that topographical maps will be available much before 1880. The oldest maps seem to have less topographical detail, but plenty of political detail. These copies of old maps are provided by the National Archives of Canada, at the request of the Map Office. The photocopies measure 18 inches by 24 inches. The current cost of these copies is $2.00 per map. If a high-quality copy is needed, a photographic copy can be arranged for approximately C$60 per map. It is usually recommended that a photocopy be obtained first, to ensure that the correct area was selected, and to determine whether an expensive photograph is really needed. Unlike the modern maps from the Map Office, the Archives do not require advance payment, and do not charge for shipping. An invoice is sent separately (mine arrived a week after the maps). Although I didn't place my order in this way, I assume that it is possible to write or call the National Archives with the appropriate map grid number(s) and order the old maps directly. The Archives are located at: National Archives of Canada 395 Wellington Street Ottawa, Canada K1A 0N3 (613) 992-8188 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Steve Carter 167 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 /endoffile