Spatial search allows users to search for data by manually drawing a bounding box, inputting coordinates, or selecting a pre-defined area on a map. Results from your search are filtered by the location you entered and weighted for datasets geographically closest to the area you have entered.
Begin Spatial Search
To start your search, click on the map to open the pop-up from the Home page.
You then can select from three options to enter your search area:
1. Drawing a bounding box
- Select DRAW ON MAP to the left of the map;
- Use the navigation arrows and plus or minus sign on the left hand side of the map to navigate to the area you are interested in;
- Use your curser to click and drag, from one corner of the area to the next (below);
- Once the area is covered, you can un-click the cursor and the coordinates of the area should appear in the coordinate boxes (below);
- Select APPLY AND SEARCH to see datasets associated or close to the bounding box you drew.
2. Entering latitude and longitude coordinates of the bounding box
- Select ENTER COORDINATES to the left of the map;
- Input the latitude and longitude into the coordinate boxes to the left of the map;
- Note, if a single location is being searched, duplicate the latitude and longitude coordinates in the search boxes (see image below).
- Select APPLY AND SEARCH to see datasets associated or close to the coordinates you entered.
3. Searching pre-defined areas
- Click SELECT LOCATION to the left of the map
- Choose from CanWIN's pre-selected areas, lakes, or research stations
- Select APPLY AND SEARCH to see datasets associated or close to the pre-defined area you selected