How to Search for Geospatial Data
The Ontario Land Information Directory provides the ability to search a repository of metadata records using a variety of methods. Brief descriptions of these methods have been provided to assist with determining the approach that best suits your needs.
Search Criteria - Text-based input
The search tool provides several text-based fields that can be used to assist with a search. They are:
- Theme - An area of business associated with the metadata document
- Keywords - Keywords associated with the metadata document
- Time Span: From - Date associated with the metadata document
- Time Span: To - Date associated with the metadata document
- Title - Title of the metadata document
- Acronym - Acronym associated with the metadata document
These can be used alone or in conjunction with one of the geospatial aspects of the tool as described in the sections below.
Geographic Feature for Search
The Geographic Feature for Search allows a user to zoom into and select a specific area on the map. These areas are defined within the following layers:
- Municipalities - Searchable Layer
- Regions-Counties - Searchable Layer
- Province of Ontario - Searchable Layer
- Townships - Searchable Layer
- DrainageView - Non-searchable Layer
- RoadsView - Non-searchable Layer
One or more Geographic Features can be selected. Once the feature has been selected and the search has been executed, metadata records associated with the Geographic Feature will be returned.
Digitizing Area for Search
Digitizing an area allows the user to define the geographic search area by using a digitizing tool. Using this option is recommended for users who wish to search areas not defined by the layers mentioned under Geographic Feature for Search. It allows the user to plot a specific search area.
Geographic Feature by Name
The Geographic Feature by Name option offers the following layers:
- Municipalities
- Regions-Counties
- Province of Ontario
- Townships
When a layer is selected, the Place Names associated with that layer are displayed. The user can select the Place Name that they wish to search.
Detailed Help
For detailed assistance on using the search tool, please contact the Metadata Administrator at (705) 755-1878 or lio@ontario.ca.
