GIS FAQs

What software do I need to view the shapefiles I downloaded from your site?
You need a GIS program to view the shapefiles, such as ArcGIS or Arc Explorer. ESRI has a free ArcExplorer viewer you can download.

Where can I get a shapefile showing Alberta’s oil sands areas?
These data are not maintained by AGS. You can find maps related to oil sands reserves and development on the Alberta Department of Energy’s website.

Where can I get a shapefile of the Alberta Township System grid or other base map layers?
These data are not maintained by AGS; we use it under government license. You can obtain the data from AltaLis, who has the responsibility for distributing Alberta's base mapping data.

Where can I obtain well location data?
For oil and gas facilities data, please contact the Energy Resources Conservation Board Information Sales. You will find information on what data are available and how to order them.

How do I convert shapefiles to KML for Google Earth?
If you have ArcGIS 9.2 with 3D analyst, you can export directly to KML. In the toolbox, go to 3D Analyst Tools | Conversion | To KML -> Layer to KML. To go from KML to shapefile, use the program's GPS Utility. There are also various retail converters on the market.

 

Last modified: June 26, 2008