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Infrastructure Map — Alberta

To create a mining infrastructure map for Alberta, import your AB claims or data as GeoJSON, assign the appropriate layer role for automatic styling, set the Topographic basemap, and export as PNG or PDF. The entire process takes 15–30 minutes with no GIS experience required.

About Mining in Alberta

Alberta is best known for its oil sands but hosts significant coal, potash, and emerging gold exploration in the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Key minerals: coal, oil sands, potash, salt, silica, gold. Notable deposits: Athabasca Oil Sands, Grande Cache Coal, Kananaskis Gold. Mining districts: Peace River, Foothills, Rocky Mountain.

The Alberta Energy Regulator administers mineral rights in Alberta. Claim data is accessible through Alberta Mineral Rights.

What is a Infrastructure Map?

An infrastructure map communicates the logistical reality of an exploration project — road access, power availability, water sources, airstrips, and proximity to service communities. Investors and permitting authorities use these maps to assess project advancement costs and feasibility. A well-made infrastructure map can significantly de-risk a project in the eyes of financiers.

How to Create a Infrastructure Map for Alberta

  1. Import road network GeoJSON and assign Roads/Access role
  2. Import water bodies and rivers
  3. Import property boundary
  4. Enable topographic basemap to show terrain and elevation context
  5. Add labels for key infrastructure (airstrip, camp, power line)
  6. Add a scale bar to communicate distances accurately
  7. Enable North Arrow
  8. Export as PDF for permitting packages

Recommended Settings for Alberta

  • Basemap: Topographic
  • Design theme: Terrain — Earthy & Warm or Technical — Sharp Borders
  • Export format: PNG at 2× for investor presentations, PDF (Letter or A4) for NI 43-101 reports
  • Coordinate system: Ensure source data is in WGS84 (EPSG:4326)

Common Use Cases in Alberta

  • Permitting applications
  • Feasibility studies
  • Investor presentations
  • Environmental assessments

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format do I need for Alberta mineral claims data?
Alberta mineral claims boundaries are available from Alberta Mineral Rights and can typically be downloaded as Shapefiles or KML. Convert these to GeoJSON at mapshaper.org before importing into Exploration Maps.
Who regulates mineral claims in Alberta?
Mineral claims in Alberta are regulated by the Alberta Energy Regulator. All tenure and claims data can be queried through Alberta Mineral Rights.
What minerals are typically mapped in Alberta?
Alberta is known for its coal, oil sands, potash, salt deposits. Key producing and exploration-stage properties include Athabasca Oil Sands, Grande Cache Coal, Kananaskis Gold. The main mining districts are Peace River, Foothills, Rocky Mountain.
Can I export a Alberta mining infrastructure map for an NI 43-101 report?
Yes. Exploration Maps exports PNG and PDF at 2–3× pixel ratio, suitable for inclusion in NI 43-101 technical reports as required figures. The export includes north arrow, scale bar, legend, and title block — all elements required for NI 43-101 compliance.