Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Interactive Maps

• How do I save (download) the map without opening a map from the web page?
• How do I print a portion of the map?
• Can I print the whole map?
• When are the maps updated?
• Does a new map mean there has been a change in dispositions?
• When viewing the Interactive Map, I see a park boundary and a more extensive restricted area around the park boundary. What should I base my application on?
• Are the restrictions and freehold mineral rights for one type of mineral the same for other minerals?
• Can I download data or shape files from the Interactive Map system?
• Will the Interactive Map System time out if I just leave it up on the screen?
• What is the difference between the Interactive Map and the PDF version of the map?
• Why do I get an error message when I try to open or use an interative map?

How do I save (download) the map without opening a map from the web page?

Once you have generated a PDF image of a map for printing purposes, you can save a copy of the PDF image using the Save feature in your browser. Alternatively, the Save Project feature in the system allows you to save the criteria you selected to come up with the current map. If you open a saved project, it will show the current status of that location. Please refer to the Manual for Interactive Maps for further instructions.

How do I print a portion of the map?

The interactive map system includes a print feature which prepares a pdf document based on the information and print format you select.  You MUST have installed a recent version of Acrobat Reader to print.  For more information, please refer to the Manual for Interactive Maps

Can I print the whole map?

You cannot print the map for the entire Province from the Interactive version, if you require a provincial map please use the PDF version.

When are the maps updated?

The interactive map is updated overnight. The updated version is usually available by 4 a.m. If there are technical problems in updating, the updated version may not be available until later. However, you can still apply for agreements based on the information available. The Department will verify which lands are currently available.

Does a new map mean there has been a change in dispositions?

A new map is generated daily whether or not there are any changes. In addition to change in mineral rights dispositions, a new edition may show changes in client identification, restrictions, map features, etc.

When viewing the Interactive Map, I see a park boundary and a more extensive restricted area around the park boundary. What should I base my application on?

On 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 (e.g. a park) is available in the reports you can generate within the interactive map system. Where such discrepancies exist, you may apply for sections or legals that show as restricted, and the Department will exclude any unavailable lands when processing your application.

Are the restrictions and freehold mineral rights for one type of mineral the same for other minerals?

No. Each mineral type has its own set of restrictions and freehold (non-Crown) mineral rights are specific to each mineral type. For example, in a location where coal rights are unavailable due to restrictions, there may be no restrictions on oil and gas rights. Or, where the coal is freehold, metallic and industrial minerals may be Crown. When viewing restrictions and freehold mineral ownership, always use the map that pertains to the mineral of interest. Again, more detailed information is available in the reports you can generate within the interactive map system.

Can I download data or shape files from the Interactive Map system?

A zip file containing the provincail Metallic and Industial Minerals Agreement data is available withing the interactive map.  To access this zip file use the downward arrow icon. 

Will the Interactive Map System time out if I just leave it up on the screen?

Your session will time out after 15 minutes. This time-out occurs for all interactive services on the Alberta Energy website, not just the interactive map system. If this happens when you are using an interactive map, you will get a warning message. 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 for instructions on how to use these features.

Why do I get an error message when I try to open or use an interative map?

Check to see if any Pop Up Blockers are turned on in your local system. If they are, turn them off, exit your Web browser and then reconnect to the Web Site. If you are still having problems, you may send a note to “Feedback” in the interactive map system. If you cannot access “Feedback” in the system, please e-mail CMD.Energy@gov.ab.ca or phone the Coal and Mineral Development Unit.

What is the difference between the Interactive Map and the PDF version of the map?