UBC, BC TRIM, and Provincial Sources

UBC Data Services

The Data Services (http://data.library.ubc.ca/) division of the UBC library system is the data repository for the social Sciences. In there, you can find qualitative and quantitative data in the form of reports, geospatial layers for GIS among other formats. Many of our datasets originated from here.

Many of the geospatial datasets can be quite large. Make sure to check with your TA or the lab supervisor before downloading. We might already have it.

BC TRIM Data

The TRIM program produces digital maps, which is a collection of coverages to conform with the BC Geographic System layout.

TRIM mapping consists of 7,027 mapsheets covering the province of British Columbia at a scale of 1:20 000. The cartographic framework for this mapping is the Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system, based on NAD83 (1983 North American Datum). Each mapsheet is precisely 12 minutes of longitude wide by 6 minutes of latitude high.

A typical TRIM mapsheet contains the following data:

• Contours
• Cultural Features
• DEM in Elevation point form
• Land Cover
• Neatlines
• Surface Features
• Transportation
• Text Annotation
• Water Features
• Other features not in the above

Ordering Information

TRIM data is accessible for education and research free of charge. Please submit the Education request form with the appropriate information. The sooner you ask for the data the better, as it might take a week to get it processed.

After your request has been approved, you will be contacted by the UBC data custodian and you can arrange with the lab supervisor (Jose) the transfer to your directory.

You will need specific mapsheet numbers when filling out the form. Your TA, Jose, or the librarians in the GIC can help you locate the information.

BC TRIM Information links

• TRIM Program Overview

Other Provincial Data Sources

This list is a compilation of data links that have proven useful in the past. If you encounter any other links you think should be included here, please feel free to e-mail the webmaster (link at bottom).

Check the geography datasets already in the department before downloading. The data can often be quite sizeable.

BC Bedrock Mapping

From their site: "The Geoscience Initiatives Section of the Geological Survey and Development Branch conducts field based geological mapping and resource evaluation studies for a diverse client base, publicizes results, improves the Province's earth science database, and provides reliable information about the Province's mineral potential."
www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/bedrock/default.htm

GeoBC - BC's Geographic Gateway

GeoBC provides a window to data and information sources provided by various ministries and agencies from the Natural Resource Sector within the British Columbia Provincial Government. The focus is on spatial and attribute data and associated applications that allow display and interaction with the data.

The Integrated Land Management Bureau (ILMB) has the mandate to provide client-focused, high quality, integrated Crown land and resource management and information services to British Columbians. ILMB is responsible for GeoBC and has developed this site as a first step towards making information accessible to clients without having to go to many different sites to find the source.
www.geobc.gov.bc.ca/