Tips for using energy maps

Introduction

Alberta Energy and Minerals has provided this information as a resource for industry and members of the public. Although extensive effort has been made to produce error free and complete data, all geographical information has limitations due to the scale, resolution, date and interpretation of the original source materials. Users are responsible for verifying the data prior to making decisions based on the mineral information provided on this website. Please use the information accordingly and respect the Copyright and Disclaimer Notice.

Interactive vs. PDF

Interactive maps through the GeoView system offer a number of different display options while the PDF version is a snapshot of the data. How to Read a Township Map explains the Alberta Township Survey (ATS) gridlines in the PDF maps.

Updates

The Resource maps in the interactive map page are tied to energy systems, Interactive maps and their matching PDF files update daily automatically on regular business days based on the previous day’s data updates.

Features only available in interactive maps

• Magnification offers additional details that might not be available at the primary map level.
• Turning on or off layers allows for customization
• Movement within the map is not restricted, you can also select the location by using a key (for example, township or NTS map sheet)
• Information reports can be generated based on your current section. Please note the display is as detailed as the source data.
• Offers the ability to download agreement data.

Interactive map printing and saving

The interactive maps have marking options and printing options under the “Tools” tab, the document will be based on the information and format you select. The most recent version of Acrobat Reader is required. This printed version can also be saved to your system to reduce download time, please note that since the maps are changed daily only direct map access will provide you with the latest data. For more information, please refer to the Manual for Interactive Maps in ETS support and online learning.

Trouble shooting and system features

The most common error for interactive maps is pop-up blockers on your local system, if your blocker was on you will need to turn them off then exit the browser and reconnect to the interactive map. If you require help please use the “Queries” tab in the interactive maps or see the contact information below.

All Alberta energy interactive sessions including the maps time out after 15 minutes of inactivity, the map does display a warning message before this occurs. The map display will go back to the province-wide view and all displays and data selections will re-set to the default. To avoid losing your interactive map session, use the Bookmark function to save the location or use the Save Project function to save the selections made during a session. Please refer to the Interactive Map Manual in ETS support and online learning for instructions on how to use these features.

Restrictions and restricted areas

The interactive maps offer restriction information, be sure to select the mineral of interest first then view the restrictions and freehold mineral ownership, additional information is available in the download data report option in the system.

Examples:

• Coal rights may be unavailable due to restrictions, but there may be no restrictions on oil and gas rights.
• Sometimes when the coal is freehold, metallic and industrial minerals may be Crown.

On the Interactive Map, you may see discrepancies between the area of the restriction and the actual location of the park or other restricted area. In these situations, the park boundary is more accurate. The restriction data layer is a different data layer from the park boundary layer. The discrepancy occurs when a restriction has been entered based on the nearest land key (Section, Quarter Section or Legal Subdivision), rather than the actual boundaries. For example, if a park boundary cuts through a section, the restriction may show the whole section as being unavailable. In these situations, turning off the restriction layer may give you a more accurate picture. However, keep in mind that a restriction near a park boundary may be there for other reasons. When applying on lands with this kind of discrepancy, the most accurate information on the actual boundary of the restricted area (for example, a park) is available in the reports you can generate within the interactive map system. Where such discrepancies exist, you may apply for sections that show as restricted, and the Department will exclude any unavailable lands when processing your application.

Contact

Connect with Resource Mapping and Analysis:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]