Titles of NTS maps are verified or selected in a satellite file known as the 'Sheet Title' registry. At present, this large body of graphical data is still maintained on paper copies of NTS maps. Although traditionally record updating has taken place from paper copy, the information transfer is now starting to be performed digitally, through the use of diskettes, magnetic tapes, and ftp data transfer, with upload scripts or programs. Such geo-referenced records form a valuable search tool when linked to other federal and provincial data bases. Also within Natural Resources Canada, initiatives are in hand to improve links between various Departmental data bases, as well as to participate in the broader context of developing a Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure.
Geographical names are basic components for such initiatives.