Data products and surveys

Hydrographic survey results and data, horizontal control data, maritime boundary maps.

Field Surveys

Field Data (Digital)

Modern hydrographic surveys are conducted using the latest satellite positioning technology, advanced multibeam bathymetric data collection systems, and powerful data processing, analysis and portrayal tools.

For information on available digital hydrographic data, please visit the CHS NONNA Data Portal.

Hydrographic Surveys

CHS hydrographers are actively engaged in surveying and measuring Canada’s inland navigable waterways out to the edge of the continental shelf and beyond, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Ocean coasts. The data collected by hydrographers is used to produce authoritative nautical charts and publications and to support a broad range of marine activities.

Hydrographic surveys capture water depths, geographical features, hazards to navigation, man-made and natural features that aid navigation, tides, currents and water levels, and sea bottom characteristics. We follow rigorous, internationally-recognized standards and guidelines when we conduct hydrographic surveys.

To learn more about our guidelines and standards:

Other

Terms and Conditions for Use of the Canadian Hydrographic Service Digital Data on the CHS Public Website

If you would like to use digital data from the Canadian Hydrographic Service Public Website, please read this Canadian Hydrographic Service Public Website Clickwrap Agreement. If you agree with the terms and conditions of the CHS Public Website Clickwrap Agreement, please click on the "I agree" button.

Notice for your safety: Please note that data obtained from this site is not suitable for navigation. Only official charts issued by or on the authority of the Canadian Hydrographic Service meet the requirements of the Navigation Safety Regulations, 2020.

Horizontal Control Point Data

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is the authoritative source for horizontal control data in Canada.

Access NRCan’s online database

If you’d like to speak to the Canadian Hydrographic Service about this type of information, please email us at chsinfo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Maritime Boundaries

CHS plays a vital role in helping determine Canada's maritime boundaries. CHS's charts delineate the territorial sea of Canada, the contiguous zone of Canada, and the exclusive economic zone of Canada. For information on available maritime boundaries maps, please email us at chsinfo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or visit our interactive maps.

High-water Line for British Columbia

The CHS Pacific High Water Coastline Dataset is a high resolution vector coastline that represents the Higher High Water Large Tides mark in BC’s tidal waters.

This shapefile format coastline is derived from a compilation of sources including modern satellite imagery and other CHS data products and is designed for GIS users in the non-navigation community.

Download

Sea Floor Classification Data for British Columbia Waters

The CHS Pacific Seafloor Classification Dataset is a continuous surface of statistically derived polygons from over 140000 point samples collected between 1911-2008. This shapefile format seabed characterization is distilled into 36 discrete classes based on CHS Chart No. 1 and a modified Folk classification system.