INTRODUCTION:


This document describes the format of the scanned Alberta Survey Control Marker
(ASCM) index maps. The scanned index maps were created from the mylar-format 
ASCM index maps that reside within the Director of Surveys & Technical Services
(DSTS) Branch, Land Administration Division, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.

ASCM index maps are a graphical representation of the provincial spatial referencing
system. The index maps display the location of integrated ASCMs in relation to
various base mapping features including the Alberta Township System, hydrography, geo-administrative boundaries (Municipal and Canada lands), road networks,
railways, and airports. In addition, index maps covering urban areas include
street names and major facilities (schools, hospitals, etc.). Only those markers
with a marker condition of GOOD or ANOMALOUS are displayed on the index maps.

Up until February 2001, the index maps were only available to users in hard-copy
format from the Data Distribution Unit (Resource Data Division, Alberta Environment)
at a cost of $5 per index map (+ GST). In order to facilitate user needs, the index
maps have been scanned and are avaiable via the Director of Surveys web-site (https://www.alberta.ca/geodetic-control-unit) FREE OF CHARGE. As a result, USERS WILL NO LONGER 
BE ABLE TO PURCHASE HARD-COPY INDEX MAPS AFTER APRIL 1, 2001. For further
information, please contact the DSTS Branch.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:


For further information on the ASCM index maps, users can obtain Fact Sheet 08 ASCM
INDEX MAPS at www.gov.ab.ca/env/land/dos or contact the DSTS Branch directly at:

        Geodetic Control Unit 
        Director of Surveys 
        Forestry and Parks
        15th floor, Oxbridge Place
        9820 - 106 Street
        Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6

        e-mail:  DirectorOfSurveys@gov.ab.ca


DISCLAIMER:


1. The distribution of this digital data is provided as a service to the user and is
under copyright to the Government of Alberta.

2. Redistribution of the data in whole or in part, whether alone or part of a value
added product, is not permitted without the prior written consent of the Land
Administration Division on behalf of the Minister of Alberta Sustainable Resource 
Development, Government of Alberta.

3. In view of the dated nature of the data, it is the responsibility of the user
of the data to advise users of the age and status of the data if the Minister 
permits the user to provide the data to other users.

4. The user agrees that the data and each part thereof, any formatting or 
presentation thereof, any storage media on which it is provided, and any 
communication of any kind, incidental or in relation thereto, is provided
to the user by the Minister and the Crown without warranty or representation
as to any matter including but not limited to whether the data and storage media 
is correct, accurate or free from error, defect, danger, or hazard, and whether
it is otherwise useful or suitable for any use the user may make of it.

5. The Crown in right of Alberta, the Minister and their employees and agents, 
shall not be liable for any claims, costs, losses, or damages, including any
special, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage, which the user 
may incur or experience as a result of the use or possession of the data or 
associated storage media.


FORMAT AND FILE SIZE OF SCANNED ASCM INDEX MAPS


The format of the scanned ASCM index maps is a TIFF (Tagged Image Format) file.
The images can be viewed and printed using a number of different software packages.
USERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING THEIR OWN SOFTWARE TO VIEW AND PRINT THE 
SCANNED ASCM INDEX MAP IMAGES.

The file size of the images vary from 0.05 mb to 3.8 mb. Approximately 88% of the
image files have a size less than or equal to 1.5 mb. The large image files are
typically for detailed index maps.


SCANNED AND LAST REVISION DATES


On the lower right-hand side of each image are two dates: the first is the 
SCANNED date (December 2000 or January 2001); and the second is the LAST 
REVISED date (YYYY-MM-DD). Typically, the last revised is date is the date 
on which an ASCM was either removed because the marker was destroyed or a new 
ASCM had been added.

Users should note that on some index maps, the original production date of
the mylar is also shown (lower right-hand corner) giving the year, month,
and day (YY/MM/DD). Users should be aware that the ASCM index maps were 
originally produced between 1988 and 1994. Therefore, some or all of the 
base map information shown on any index map on this web-site may be incorrect.   


SPECIAL CASES OF SCANNED ASCM INDEX MAPS


1) The Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat ASCM Index Maps

a) Fort McMurracy

The Fort McMurray index map consists of FORT_MCMURRAY_UPPER.TIF,
FORT_MCMURRAY_LOWER.TIF, and FORT_MCMURRAY.TIF. Most of Fort McMurray
is included in the UPPER image, but there is some general information
on the index map that is included in the LOWER image as well as grid lines,
scanning date, and last revised date. In order to facilitate user needs, 
both the UPPER and LOWER images have been included in the image data set. Also,
the DSTS Branch has combined the UPPER and LOWER images to create a single TIFF
image showing the whole Fort McMurray index map. USERS ARE CAUTIONED THAT THERE
MAY BE SOME DISTORTION IN THE FORT_MCMURRAY.TIF IMAGE.

b) Medicine Hat:

Similar to Fort McMurray, the Medicine Hat index map is divided into 
MEDICINE_HAT_LEFT.TIF and MEDICINE_HAT_RIGHT.TIF. The majority of the Medicine
Hat index map is included in the LEFT image, but there is some key data shown on
the RIGHT image including grid lines, scanning date, and last revised date. Again,
for conveninece of the user, both the LEFT and RIGHT images have been included 
along with a combined image (MEDICINE_HAT.TIF - produced by DSTS Branch) in the
data set. USERS ARE CAUTIONED THAT THERE MAY BE SOME DISTORTION IN THE 
MEDICINE_HAT.TIF image.

2) Canal Rehabilitation (ASCM Index Map 50112) 

A detail of the Canal Rehabilitation area within the 50112 rural index map has
been included with the rural index map images for completeness of the ASCM index 
map information. The Canal Rehabilitation area includes Townships 21, 22, and 23
and Ranges 26 and 27, all West of the 4th Meridian. The image is identified as 50112_CANAL_REHAB.TIF.

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