Map Centre Frequently Asked Questions


In this section we will be providing answers to some of our most Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Map Centre. As we receive new inquiries, we will be updating this section.

1. What is the Map Centre? (click to view/hide answer)
The Community Counts Map Centre is an online application which bridges the gap between the data we display on our website, and the mapping resources we provide. The Map Centre provides the user with an instant delivery of data in a thematic and/or asset based map.
2. How do I create a map? (click to view/hide answer)
  1. Select a subject from the Subject drop down box.
  2. Select a map to view from the Map dropdown box.
  3. Select the Year from the Year dropdown box.
  4. If there are any additional variables to select (Gender, Age, etc), select it from the next drop down box.
  5. Click the View Map button. The map and legend will populate with the related data.
3. How do I save a map? (click to view/hide answer)
Click the save button to save the currently displayed map to your computer. The image is saved as a PNG file format.
4. How do I print this map? (click to view/hide answer)
  1. Click the print preview button . A Print Preview dialog box will open.
  2. Select the paper size of you will be printing to from the drop down box. The map will then display, formatted to the size of the paper you have chosen.
  3. Click the print button and the printer dialog box will be displayed.
  4. Select the paper size, as the print preview box was only formatting the map to fit on that paper. If you do not select the correct paper, the Map Centre will provide a notification and the printer options will have to be selected again.
  5. Select Page Orientation to Landscape. If you do not select Landscape, the Map Centre will provide a notification and the printer options will have to be selected again.
  6. Click Print.
5. How do I display the geography names on the map? (click to view/hide answer)
Click the Display names button .
6. How do I add Assets to my map? (click to view/hide answer)
You can overlay assets onto the map by selecting an Asset from the Assets menu.
7. How do I find out information for a particular asset? (click to view/hide answer)
Moving your mouse over the asset will display a note containing the name, address and other information of the asset.
8. What assets are currently available in the Map Centre? (click to view/hide answer)
  1. Cultural Assets
    • Art Galleries (Source: Nova Scotia Department Tourism, Culture & Heritage)
    • Museums (County) (Source: Nova Scotia Department Tourism, Culture & Heritage)
    • Museums (Provincial) (Source: Nova Scotia Department Tourism, Culture & Heritage)
    • Cultural Organizations (Source: Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (formerly Tourism, Culture & Heritage). From Culture News, February 2011)
    • Cultural Centres (Source: Nova Scotia Department Tourism, Culture & Heritage)
    • Nova Scotia Publishers (Source: Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association)
  2. Educational Assets
    • Adult Learning Networks (Source: Labour and Advanced Education)
    • Nova Scotia Community College Campuses (Source: 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.), college websites)
    • Private Schools (Source: school0809, 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.), School Board websites, other websites)
    • Public Schools (Source: school0809, 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.), School Board websites, other websites)
    • Schools Plus Program (Source: Department of Education)
    • School Programs
      • Co-Operative Education (Source: Department of Education)
      • International Baccalaureate (Source: Department of Education)
      • Options and Opportunities (Source: Department of Education)
      • Skilled Trades (Source: Department of Education)
    • Universities (Source: 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.), university websites)
  3. Environmental Assets
    • Provincial Parks (Source: 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.))
    • Other Parks (Source: 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.))
  4. Health Assets
    • Community Health Centres (Source: Canadian Alliance of CHCs)
    • Doctor's Offices (Source: Department of Health and Physician Services)
    • Hospitals (Source: 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.))
    • Long Term Care Facilities (Source: Department of Health)
    • Mental Health Clinics (Source: Canadian Alliance of CHCs)
    • Youth Health Centres (Source: Department of Health)
  5. Infrastructure Assets
    • Access NS Offices (Source: Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations)
    • Airports (Source: 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.))
    • Fire Stations (Source: 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.))
    • Gas Stations (Full Serve) (Source: Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations)
    • Gas Stations (Full/Self) (Source: Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations)
    • Heliports (Source: 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.))
    • Wharves (Source: Coastal Community Network)
  6. Social Assets
    • Arenas (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness)
    • Big Brothers Big Sisters (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Community Services)
    • Boys and Girls Clubs (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Community Services)
    • C@P Sites (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development)
    • Child Care Centres (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Community Services)
    • Community-Based Transportation (Source: 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.))
    • Curling Clubs (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness)
    • Early Intervention Programs (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Community Services)
    • Family Home Day Care (FHDC) Agencies (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Community Services)
    • Family Resource Centres (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Community Services)
    • Family Service of Eastern Nova Scotia (Source: Status of Women)
    • Food Banks (Source: Feed Nova Scotia)
    • Maintenance Enforcement Programs (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Justice)
    • Men's Intervention Programs (Source: Status of Women)
    • Public Libraries (Source: Regional library websites (http://www.library.ns.ca/content/nova-scotia-public-libraries), NSCAF for coordinates)
    • Recreation Directors (Source: Health and Wellness)
    • Restorative Justice (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Justice)
    • Seniors Centres (Source: Positive Aging Guide)
    • Senior Safety Programs (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Seniors)
    • Supportive Housing (Source: Nova Scotia Association of Transiiton Houses)
    • Victim Services (Source: Nova Scotia Department of Justice)
    • Women's Centres (Source: Women's Centres Connect)
  7. Social-Economic Assets
    • Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) (Source: Nova Scotia Association of CBDCs)
    • Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDENE) (Source: Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDENE))
    • Co-operatives (Profit/Non-Profit) (Source: Service Nova Scotia (http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/coop/resources/), various co-operative websites, NSCAF)
    • Credit Unions (Source: 2009 EPOI (DMTI Spatial Inc.)
    • Farmers Markets (Source: Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia Co-op)
    • Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) (Source: NS Association of RDAs)
9. How do I change geographies? (click to view/hide answer)
To change the geographic level, click the button. A dialog box will be displayed listing the available geographies. The user will also have the option to retain the map that they generated previously.
10. How do I create a blank map? (click to view/hide answer)
To clear the map, click the button.
11. Can I view the data behind map? (click to view/hide answer)
Yes! Click the button, and a dialog box will display with a datagrid containing all of the data found behind the map. You can then copy that data to the clipboard.
12. Can I zoom and pan throughout the map? (click to view/hide answer)
Using your mouse, you can zoom and pan throughout the map. Using your scroll wheel, you can zoom into any portion of the map. Then you can click and drag on the map to pan through it.
13. Can I search for a geography? (click to view/hide answer)
Yes! If you can't find the geography you are looking for, click the button. A dialog box will open with a drop down box filled with the available geographies. Select one of the listed geographies and click search. The map will automatically zoom into the selected geography.
14. How do I contact Community Counts? (click to view/hide answer)
You can click on the button to open the Contact Us dialog box to retrieve our contact information.

Do you have a question that we haven’t answered?
Please send your comments or questions to communitycounts@gov.ns.ca