• About SIGÉOM
  • Copyrights
  • Poster and Consumer/Public Material
  • Browser
  • Interactive map
  • Web Map Services WMS
  • EXAMINE
  • SIGÉOM Products
  • About SIGÉOM

  • What is SIGÉOM?

    SIGÉOM is a unique spatial reference geomining information system. It contains the entire Québec geoscientific database collected over the past 150 years. Every year, it grows richer with additional data coming from geological mapping surveys, prospection and exploration activities undertaken by the Ministry, mining companies and universities.


    You will find :
    An interactive map which gives a global overview of the SIGÉOM database.
    Web map services that allow you to access the SIGÉOM database over the internet, and load import data directly into your GIS software.
    The SIGÉOM à la carte gives access to the entire geoscientific database. This site allows searches to be performed by precise criteria and to get maps in different file formats.
    EXAMINE constitutes the gateway to Géologie Québec record holdings with more than 80,000 documents (bibliographic data, reports, maps).

    With SIGÉOM, you can visualise, consult and download the product of your choice.

  • Where do SIGÉOM data come from?

    The SIGÉOM database is a compilation of geologic information from governmental surveys, exploration works from the mining industry and university research literature. Geoscientific data essentially come from the fields of geology, geochemistry and geophysics.

  • How is the Quebec economy benefiting from SIGÉOM?

    Today's replacement value of SIGÉOM data is estimated at approximately four billion dollars. For works completed before 2004, cost evaluation is based on the estimation of investment costs for different types of surveys. For instance, the cost value of diamond drillings, which equals to more than 50% of the estimated database cost, has been set at 25$ per foot. Since 2004, the replacement value of SIGÉOM data represents actual expenses made by mineral exploration companies and the Québec government. These financial data are provided by mining credit management systems and government accounting services. The aforementioned replacement value represents a minimal estimation, since the analysis is not in constant dollars and some costs represent very conservative estimates.


    Designing and implementation of SIGÉOM required a total investment of over $40 million since 1993. This number includes budgets allocated to data entry by the Ministry's personnel as well as maintenance and upgrading technologies.


    SIGÉOM is a very important asset for Quebec's sustainable development. It makes mineral exploration more efficient by avoiding duplication of work and reducing the ecological footprint thereof. The resulting savings thus enable companies to invest their resources more wisely. SIGÉOM will continue to progress over time, as its value and usefulness are a true golden heritage!

  • How may I use SIGÉOM data?

    The Step-by-step User Guide - Mastering the SIGÉOM Data helps users to choose between the different types of data source access available in order to compare and understand advantages and limits of technologies (formats) available. This guide is for all SIGÉOM users, from casual users searching for data about the general geology of Quebec to geomaticians interested in data access technologies.

  • How does SIGÉOM use cookies?

    This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and for statistical purposes.


    This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. ("Google"). Google Analytics uses "cookies", which are text files placed on your computer, to help the website analyze how users use the site. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website (including your IP address) will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States . Google will use this information for the purpose of evaluating your use of the website, compiling reports on website activity for website operators and providing other services relating to website activity and internet usage. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google's behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. You may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings on your browser, however please note that if you do this you may not be able to use the full functionality of this website. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above.

    Types of cookies used by Google
    Google Analytics Cookie Usage on Websites (anglais)
  • Copyrights

  • May I reproduce in whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, a document, text or image (photograph or illustration) of which the MERN or Géologie Québec is the author?

    You may freely use the content of these documents by simply mentioning the source. However, you are not allowed to sell this content. To do this, simply include the Government of Québec's copyright notice on the partial or total copy of the document.


    To quote a source in the text, you must always indicate the author and year of publication. You must also mention the page where the quotation is found.
    Example:
    MERN, 2018. Plan quinquennal du Bureau de la connaissance géoscientifique du Québec, Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles 2016-2021. DV 2018-01, 20 pages

  • Is there a license for SIGÉOM data?

    For EXAMINE documents please read the license.


    For SIGÉOM data please read the conditions of access and use relative to our products.

  • How should I reference an Examine document?

    Corresponds to the «Reference» display format in Examine

  • How should I reference the Interactive Map?

    Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF), 2021 - Interactive map. MRNF, Québec; Online products and services - Mines, Interactive Map, https://sigeom.mines.gouv.qc.ca/signet/classes/I1108_afchCarteIntr (Quebec Geomining Information System consulted on December 2, 2021).

  • Poster and Consumer/Public Material

  • How can I obtain a poster or other educational material produced by the MERN?

    From the Trousse éducative (Educational Kit), you have access to educational material and thematic posters of the Géologie pour tous (Geology for All) series (https://mern.gouv.qc.ca/mines/trousse-educative/).


    If you are a member of the education sector, you can obtain a free hard copy of a poster. Simply contact the Mines Service Centre at the following email address: service.mines@mern.gouv.qc.ca

  • How can I get the books Géologie des ressources minérales and Des mines et des hommes?

    You can download a digital copy of these books by following the links below:

    Géologie des ressources minérales : https://gq.mines.gouv.qc.ca/documents/EXAMINE/MM200801

    Des mines et des hommes : https://gq.mines.gouv.qc.ca/documents/EXAMINE/GT201301

  • Browser

  • Which Internet browsers I may use?

    Supported browsers are those, in their recent versions, on which the SIGÉOM has been tested. However SIGÉOM is likely to work with other browsers and older versions.

    Supported browsers:
    - Microsoft Internet Explorer : version 11
    - Google Chrome
    - Microsoft Edge
    - Mozilla Firefox
    - IOS Safari

    For a better experience on the site, we recommend you keep your Internet browser up to date. Visit this site to know the last versions of the browsers.
    Using older browser versions can prevent you from accessing SIGÉOM, and some site features won't function as expected. Check out this site to know the version of your browser.


  • Why does the page not display correctly with Microsoft Internet Explorer ( IE)?

    If you are using Internet Explorer with the compatibility mode turned on, you may have trouble editing your profile or seeing messages in your inbox. Compatibility mode is a feature in IE that helps you view webpages that were designed for older versions of the browser.

    To disable compatibility mode in IE, proceed as follows :
    1. Click Tools, and select Compatibility View Settings
    2. Uncheck the box next to Display all websites in compatibility view
    3. Click Close


  • How do I clear my browser's cache and cookies?

    Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can help resolve many different problems you might have when using SIGÉOM.

    Internet Explorer 11
    1. Click the gear icon in the browser's top right
    2. Select Safety -> Delete browsing history
    3. Uncheck all the options except Temporary Internet files and website files
    4. Click Delete

    Internet Explorer 9 and 10
    1. Click the gear icon in the browser's upper right and click Internet Options, and Internet Options
    2. On the General tab, click Delete in the Browsing History section.
    3. Clear all of the check boxes except Temporary Internet Files and Cookies.
    4. Click Delete and OK.

    Mozilla Firefox 20.0 and later
    1. Click the Open menu icon (looks like 3 lines) in the top right of the browser
    2. Click History
    3. Select Clear Recent History
    4. In the Time range to clear dropdown, select Everything
    5. Click the boxes next to Cookies and Cache
    6. Click on Clear Now

  • Interactive map

  • What makes the Interactive Map so interesting?

    The Interactive Map, which is freely available, allows a rapid visualization of numerous geological data in Quebec (geological units, mineral deposits, diamond drillings, etc.) which could be linked to mining data (mining activities, mines and projects, mining titles) and geographical data (satellite imagery, hydrography, topography, etc.).


    The Interactive Map is unique and offers many features, including rapid display, zooming, transparency in data layer, as well as data selection and query. This easy-to-use tool makes geological, geographic and mining data available to all. The Interactive Map offers another significant feature: real-time access to the database, enabling users to benefit from continuously updated data. This is particularly important for certain users.


    Access to Interactive Map
  • What is the projection used in the SIGÉOM Interactive Map?

    The so-called « Pseudo-Mercator » projection (also called "Web Mercator" or simply "Mercator"; EPSG code: 3857) is used in the SIGÉOM Interactive Map.


    This projection utilizes a projected coordinate system used by many open source data providers (e.g. OpenStreetMap) and Web services (e.g. Google Maps). It is bounded by latitudes 85° N and 85° S so that when the world map is displayed, it appears in a square.

  • What is the background map and imagery used in the Interactive Map?

    Government of Québec - Map Background Service (Service de fonds de carte) (WMTS) : http://www.igouverte.org/documentation/services-web-ogc-igo/


    Imagery of the Government of Québec : https://mern.gouv.qc.ca/repertoire-geographique/vue-aerienne-quebec-imagerie-continue/

  • How may I share my map?

    You may share your map as it appears on the screen with other users. Please refer to Section 2.11 of the Step-by-step User Guide - Mastering the SIGÉOM Data.

  • Why is the location search by address, place name or postal code not working?

    The Google geocoding API interface is used to acquire geographic coordinates from addresses, names of places or postal codes. In order to do this, the browser sends a request to the Google secured server(s) which returns the information. This works generally well with Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers, whereas it is problematic with Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). The latter applies SOP (Same Origin Policy) rules which restrain calls between domains. To enable access to data, follow these simple steps:

    1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools -> Internet Options
    2. Click Safety, then select the Internet Zone
    3. Set the Security Level to medium-high
    4. Click Custom Level... to open the Security Settings section
    5. Locate the Miscellaneous Section/Data Source Access on multiple domains
    6. Click Activate


  • Why are some layers not available in the menu?

    Certain layers are visible only from a specific scale for performance reasons and in order to answer all requests. Here is a list of layers with their respective display scales:


    LayerVisible scale range
    Major restrictionsFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Minor restrictionsFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Drilling surveysFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Exploration surveysFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Quaternary surveysFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Geochemical surveysFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Geological surveysFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Sediment samplesFrom 1 to 545,978
    Rock samplesFrom 1 to 272,989
    Morpho-sedimentological zonesFrom 1 to 545,978
    Quaternary observation sitesFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Unconformity contactsFrom 1 to 545,978
    Regional foldsFrom 1 to 545,978
    Regional geologyFrom 1 to 545,978
    Regional faultsFrom 1 to 545,978
    Compilation outcropsFrom 1 to 545,978
    Geofiche outcropsFrom 1 to 545,978
    Electromagnetic anomaliesFrom 1 to 545,978
    Mapping targetsFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    3D modeling targetsFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Potential Evaluation targetsFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Quaternary targetsFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Geochemical targetsFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Geophysics targetsFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    Diamond drillingsFrom 1 to 272,989
    Active mining rightsFrom 1 to 272,989
    Mining rights on demandFrom 1 to 272,989
    Observation stationsFrom 1 to 2,183,911
    PeatlandsFrom 1 to 2,183,911

  • Why is the message «Maximum Height exceeded» appearing?

    SIGÉOM services are designed to deliver images with maximum dimensions of 2,000 by 1,500 pixels. This limitation ensures an acceptable image resolution while considering the performance capabilities of servers that have to adequately answer all queries.


    If you have used the browser zoom , the window's dimensions might exceed permitted values. To restore the display, you may use the keyboard shortcuts as follow:
    «CTRL +» to zoom in
    «CTRL -» to zoom out
    «CTRL 0» for default level.
    More info : http://www.wikihow.com/Zoom-With-a-Web-Browser

  • Web Map Services WMS

  • What is a Web Map Service?

    «A Web service is a rapid means to enable communication over the internet among various clients, providers and partners, regardless of languages and platforms used, a capacity known as interoperability. Web services comply with the specifications of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) to make data accessible to all over the Internet.»

    In digital cartography, Web services enable users to display maps and to process and save certain data as required. A Web map service (WMS) is therefore not an application in itself, but rather a data source used by different applications. It is integrated into a project through a «URL» address, which contains parameters related to the requested data, the coordinate system, the area of interest, etc. This method of dissemination is used to display maps from a Web site or from a geographic information system (GIS). A WMS server delivers the image requested from the GIS or the Web site through the Internet. The various data sets are then superimposed by the GIS or the Web site in order to produce the desired map. This approach provides the user with regularly updated data by official providers, with return periods dictated by respective mandates thereof. Today, several freely available and commercial softwares allow online connection to a data source using Web map services.

    Web map services therefore facilitate a more effective dissemination of geospatial data from anywhere in the world, whether these are vector or descriptive data, metadata, raster images, map layouts, etc.

    Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles, March 31, 2015. «Cadre de référence technique pour l'implantation de services Web géographiques».


  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Web Map Services?

    Advantages

    - Freely available;
    - Real-time access to a database by displaying updated information without import/export. This means you can access directly all the data;
    - Avoids acquiring, converting, processing, updating and storing data;
    - Allows for viewing, querying and analysis of data;
    - Allows for creating composite maps (mashup) by combining Web Map Services from different sources, resulting in value-added content;
    - Utilises open standards and protocols, hence easily accessible from a wide range of applications on computers, tablets and smart phones (any device equipped with Internet access);
    - Software licence is not required.

    Disadvantages

    - Internet access required;
    - Display waiting time are sometimes very long, depending on the speed of the Internet service, the browser, the operating system used, etc.;
    - Data analysis is currently limited;
    - Data download is not possible.


  • What are the «URLs» for SIGÉOM Web Map Services?

    This page contains all the necessary information to connect to SIGÉOM Web Map Services.


  • Why are some data not displayed?

    For performance reasons, certain data are visible only from a specific pre-determined scale. The following table lists the scale of view for each layer.


    LayerVisible scale range
    Mining activity
    Major restrictionsFrom 1 to 200,000
    Minor restrictionsFrom 1 to 200,000
    Documents
    Drilling surveysFrom 1 to 200,000
    Exploration surveysFrom 1 to 200,000
    Quaternary surveysFrom 1 to 200,000
    Geochemical surveysFrom 1 to 200,000
    Geological surveysFrom 1 to 200,000
    Geochemistry
    Sediment samplesFrom 1 to 700,000
    Rock samplesFrom 1 to 300,000
    Quaternary geology
    Morpho-sedimentological zonesFrom 1 to 700,000
    Observation sitesFrom 1 to 2,200,000
    Bedrock geology
    Unconformity contactsFrom 1 to 700,000
    Regional foldsFrom 1 to 700,000
    Regional geologyFrom 1 to 700,000
    Regional faultsFrom 1 to 700,000
    Compilation outcropsFrom 1 to 700,000
    Geofiche outcropsFrom 1 to 700,000
    Geophysics
    Electromagnetic anomaliesFrom 1 to 700,000
    Mineral Potential
    Mapping targetsFrom 1 to 2,200,000
    3D modeling targetsFrom 1 to 2,200,000
    Potential evaluation targetsFrom 1 to 2,200,000
    Quaternary targetsFrom 1 to 2,200,000
    Geochimical targetsFrom 1 to 2,200,000
    Geophysics targetsFrom 1 to 2,200,000
    Drilling
    Diamond drillingsFrom 1 to 700,000
    Mining titles
    Active mining rightsFrom 1 to 500,000
    Mining rights on demandFrom 1 to 500,000
    Peat
    Observation stationsFrom 1 to 2,200,000
    PeatlandsFrom 1 to 2,200,000

    SIGÉOM services are designed to deliver images with maximum dimensions of 2,000 by 1,500 pixels. This limitation ensures an acceptable image resolution while considering the performance capabilities of servers that have to adequately answer all queries.


    Data are available in several projection systems. Details are reported in the technical description found under Web Map Services.


  • What software may I use to display data?

    You will need a Geographic Information System (GIS) or a Web application compatible with OGC standards to use SIGÉOM Web Map Services. Here is a list of freely available tools:

    - QGIS : http://www.qgis.org (recommanded)
    - gvSIG : http://www.gvsig.com/home
    - ArcGIS Explorer Desktop distributed by ESRI : http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/explorer
    - uDig : http://udig.refractions.net/
    - OpenJUMP distributed by OpenJUMP.Project : http://www.openjump.org/

  • How may I upload data to my software?

    Sections 3.5 (QGIS) and 4.4 (ArcGIS) of the document entitled Step-by-step User Guide - Mastering SIGÉOM Data describe the steps to follow to integrate SIGÉOM data into a project using the WMS Web Map Services.

  • EXAMINE

  • Is it possible to obtain all documents available in the EXAMINE collection?

    It is impossible for a client to obtain the entire documentary collection in a single request.


    EXAMINE documents (reports, digital data, maps) are available individually for free download by searching in EXAMINE or using a search engine (Google, Bing, etc).

  • Can I access documents related to closed mines?

    Yes, you can view documents relating to closed mines through the Examine document collection.

    If the documents you are interested in are not available in Examine, you should contact the Mines Service Centre: service.mines@mern.gouv.qc.ca

  • What are the available file formats?
    • PDF - report and map optimized for Web
    • ZIP - Complementary data
    • PNG - legend
    • JP2 - georeferenced map
    • TIFF - map optimized for printing
  • How to use georeferenced plans from EXAMINE?

    Documents containing georeferenced plans are easily recognisable as follows:

    - the  icon appears in front of the document while in « Summary » display. By clicking on the icon, plans will be displayed in the Interactive map;

    - the « Location and georeferenced plans on the map » button is available for each document in « Complete » and « Summary » displays;



    Interactive Map


    It is therefore possible to visualize georeferenced plans in the Interactive map. In the left menu bar, under «Temporary Layers» the list of selected georeferenced plans will appear. Each plan has an associated check box to activate or disable display, a slider to adjust transparency and a button to display the legend, if applicable. The following icons are used

    to center a document on the map;

    to delete a document from the « Temporary Layers » section



    WMS Services


    Georeferenced plans can be displayed in any GIS environment (QGIS, ArcGIS, MapInfo, Interactive map) by using WMS Services. To do so, you will need to copy the service web address in your environment.

    From one document to another, only the last part of the WMS link changes. The generic link format is as follows:
    http://sigeom.mines.gouv.qc.ca/ApolloCatalogWMSPublic/service.svc/get?layers=document number

    The link for document DP 2015-05 will therefore be:
    Example : http://sigeom.mines.gouv.qc.ca/ApolloCatalogWMSPublic/service.svc/get?layers=DP201505

    Procedure to import and print the plans from WMS services with QGIS

    If you have no access to YouTube, it is possible to download the video (78.4 Mo).


    Procedure to import and print the plans from WMS services with ArcMap

    If you have no access to YouTube, it is possible to download the video (76.9 Mo).
  • SIGÉOM Products

  • What is the price of the SIGÉOM products?

    SIGÉOM products are free since September 1st, 2018.

  • What geomatics products are available in SIGÉOM?

    The Atlas géoscientifique allows the user to order and download the database (geology, geophysics, geochemistry, etc.) for all of Québec, or for a given NTS map sheet, in ArcGIS File Geodatabase (FGDB), Shapefile, comma-separated values (CSV) and Geopackage (GPKG) formats.

    SIGÉOM à la carte is used to order and download one or multiple specific geoscientific elements in ArcGIS File Geodatabase (FGDB), Shapefile, comma-separated values (CSV) and Geopackage (GPKG) formats.

    EXAMINE allows you to order and download digital data (FGDB, ShapeFile, Geotiff, Grid, Geosoft, XYZ, .BIN, .DAT, and .XLSX coordinate files, etc.) from geological reports produced by the Ministry. These data can be found under the Other digital data section.
    Access to all documents


    * Please note that only the perimeters covering assessment works are available in the Atlas géoscientifique vector data and SIGÉOM à la carte. The content of assessment work reports is only available through EXAMINE holdings.

  • What do the database fields (FGDB and Shapefile) from SIGÉOM contain?

    The glossary containing the SIGÉOM database elements gives a description for each field in alphabetical order.

  • What about the FGDB data model and domain value of the SIGÉOM?

    Documents are available here.

  • What are the symbols used to illustrate the different SIGÉOM elements?

    The Quebec Geomining Information System (SIGÉOM) uses numerous symbols and abbreviations to illustrate and describe the various geometric elements presented on:


    • - the Interactive Map;
    • - Web Mapping Services;
    • - geological maps published in the Geological Bulletin and the Quaternary Bulletin.

    Symboles and abbreviations used in SIGÉOM databases are grouped under different themes. Each theme provides users with an overview of the characteristics and rules used by Géologie Québec for the cartographic representation of the various geometric elements.


    The information on this site is updated regularly as changes are made to the database and new feature layers are added to SIGÉOM. It replaces information previously published in the PRO 2000-08 and DV 2014-06 documents. This site also includes several elements of the General Geological Map Legend (Légende générale de la carte géologique; MB 96-28).


    The document Geoscience Map Symbols and Abbreviations (Symboles et abréviations de la carte géoscientifique; DV 2014-06) provides an overview of the symbology used in SIGÉOM. It includes the geological map's colour grid legend, the list of lithologies, geological ages, minerals, structures and textures. It also provides simple explanations for applying the SIGÉOM symbology in the ArcGIS environment.

  • Is there a single geological legend for all of Quebec?

    There are two layers of geological coverage in SIGÉOM: Regional Geology et General Geology.


    The Regional Geology layer is the geological coverage resulting from the data collected during geological surveys carried out annually by Géologie Québec at a regional scale. At this scale, geological knowledge is not homogeneous throughout Quebec as many elements are still unknown to produce a unique and complete legend for the province. In this case, it is necessary to refer to the different legends of the geological maps that are based on geological surveys.


    The General Geology layer is a homogeneous geological coverage of the entire province resulting from the synthesis and simplification of the regional geology layer. For this layer, there is a unique and complete lithological legend for Quebec. It accompanies the Geological Map of Quebec at scale 1:2 000 000 (Carte géologique du Québec; (DV 2012-06), which is available free of charge.