Research Guides: Community & Regional Planning: GIS / Data / Maps

Featured Resources

Planet.com Satellite Imagery Archive and Basemaps This link opens in a new window
Planet.com provides access to a global satellite imagery archive of multi-spectral imagery dating back to 2009.
SimplyAnalytics This link opens in a new window
Internet-based mapping application that enables users to develop interactive thematic maps and reports using Canadian and US demographic, business, and marketing data.
Use Internet Explorer or Firefox. To use without creating an account, click Sign in as a guest. Your work will not be saved. User limit: 5 maximum.
Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
Social Explorer is an online research tool designed to provide quick and easy access to current and historical census data and demographic information.

GIS / Data

For help with GIS and Data, please visit UBC Library's GIS and Data & Statistics and Government Publications guides. Please note that these services are located in the Koerner Library and are supported through the Research Commons.

A few resources are listed below:

Abacus Data Repository This link opens in a new window
Abacus is UBC's collection of data sets, including public use microdata from Statistics Canada, public opinion polls, and geospatial data. Look here for Statistics Canada surveys and data.

Planet.com Satellite Imagery Archive and Basemaps This link opens in a new window
Planet.com provides access to a global satellite imagery archive of multi-spectral imagery dating back to 2009.
Canadian Census Analyser This link opens in a new window
Canadian Census Analyser features census profiles for multiple levels of geography as far back as 1961, online analysis of public use microdata files 1971- , and postal code conversion files 1996- .
CANSIM (CANadian Socioeconomic Information Management) Database (Statistics Canada) This link opens in a new window
CANSIM is a comprehensive database from Statistics Canada containing more than 52 million numeric time series covering a wide variety of social and economic indicators.
UNdata This link opens in a new window
Selected statistics from the entire UN system. Summary tables cover agriculture, population, industry, national accounts, energy, health, human development, trade, refugees, education, employment, and technology.
World Bank Data This link opens in a new window
Development-oriented statistics from the World Bank: social, economic, financial, natural resources, and environmental indicators for over 200 countries and 18 country groups, covering 1960 to the present.

Maps

Online Mapping Tools

SimplyAnalytics This link opens in a new window
Internet-based mapping application that enables users to develop interactive thematic maps and reports using Canadian and US demographic, business, and marketing data.
Use Internet Explorer or Firefox. To use without creating an account, click Sign in as a guest. Your work will not be saved. User limit: 5 maximum.

VanMap
Produced by the City of Vancouver, VanMap lets you view data about Vancouver in map form. There are dozens of features you can turn on and off with the click of a button: Property lines; Zoning information; Sewer mains; Water mains; Information about addresses; Public places; Crime data.

Map Collections @ UBC

UBC Library's map collections are located in the Koerner Library and Rare Books & Special Collections. Visit in person or consult one of these online guides or resources:

Maps & Atlases (guide)
Historical Map Collections (guide)
Open Collection: Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD)
A series of land use maps covering metro Vancouver. Coverage includes residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Index sheets are also available digitally for reference and orientation purposes.