DMTI postal code geography

Description

The DMTI Postal Code data includes six-digit postal codes for all of Canada. There are two types of postal codes provided, Unique Enhanced Postal Codes (UEP), and Multiple Enhanced Postal Codes (MEP). UEP is used more frequently because it provides a 1:1 relationship between postal codes and Statistics Canada's standard census geography. MEP takes into account that in some newer subdivisions, many streets will share the same postal code. We also have boundary files for Forward Sortation Areas (FSA) - three digit postal codes and Local Delivery Units (LDU) - six digit postal codes for all of Canada. The data is current to 2020.

Spatial reference and data type

These data sets are available in geographic (lat/long) co-ordinates; horizontal datum is North American Datum (NAD) 83. These data are stored as Esri shapefiles. Other data formats can be accommodated, as the Geospatial Centre has access to a number of conversion utilities.

Data access

In order to access this data set, please visit the Geospatial Centre reference desk during reference hours. Library reference staff are available to provide further information about these data sets and to deliver data upon request. Under the terms of the library's license agreement, these data sets are for use by students, faculty, and staff at the University of Waterloo only.

Data manipulation

There are public workstations in the Geospatial Centre that provide access to ArcGIS software programs, program extensions and data manipulation utilities. Patrons may use the Geographic Information System (GIS) and image processing software in the library to view and manipulate the data. UWaterloo faculty, students and staff may copy these data to other media (for example: CD, DVD or Zip disc) for use elsewhere.

Data output

These data may be exported from ArcGIS in a choice of bitmapped formats (also known as raster graphics) including JPG, TIFF, GIF, and BMP or in a choice of vector graphics formats including Adobe Illustrator (AI), Encapsulated Postscript (EPS), and Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). Yet another option is PDF.

Use restrictions/licensing/copyright

These data are provided for personal use for academic, research, and/or teaching purposes. Library staff will ask patrons to read and sign a data release agreement before these licensed data can be released. The City of Waterloo must be acknowledged on any derivative product, whether printed or electronic, including for example, a printed map, a raster or vector graphic, a web-based application, etc. Patrons are advised to fully respect the provisions of Canada's Copyright Act as well as terms and conditions imposed by the data provider.