Access ACIMS data

Follow the steps below to create an ACIMS Data Screening Report. Review notes (*) for information on common errors and issues.

• Important: To use the search maps tool, you must first agree to the disclaimer.

Go to the Search Map

ACIMS data screening report

1. Click the ‘ACIMS Data Screening Report’ icon in the top left corner of the map.
2. Use one of 4 options to identify Element Occurrences (EOs) in your area of interest. For each option, you can apply a buffer to your search.
   1. ATS Quarter Section: You can input an Alberta Township System (ATS) Quarter Section to define your area of interest. It is not currently possible to search by larger ATS units (like Townships). The system will display ATS Quarter Sections in a dropdown list (if nothing appears in the drop down, check your search term). When using ATS search, it is recommended that users copy and paste the following search term and fill in the correct information: QS-XX SEC-XX TWP-XXX RGE-XX MER-X.
   2. Draw: This option allows you to draw a point, line, rectangle, circle, or polygon on the map. You can also use the select tool to choose existing features.
   3. Shapefile: You can define your area of interest by uploading a shapefile.
   4. Coordinates: Identify your area of interest by selecting a point on the map or by entering latitude and longitude in decimal degrees.
3. Click the ‘Report’ button to find all Non-Sensitive and Sensitive Element Occurrences (EOs) that intersect with the area. The ‘Start Over’ button lets you begin the process again.
4. To export the results, select ‘Print’ to create a summary of the results in a printable HTML/PDF format. Wait for the report to finish loading. When complete, it should display a map of the search area.

* Note:

• Users should confirm that the number of EO results in the ACIMS Data Screening Report matches the number shown in the report widget. If discrepancies occur, contact ACIMS for guidance.
• Searches of large areas with many EOs may result in performance issues. To search large areas, it is recommended to complete multiple smaller searches or to use publicly available ACIMS data layers (Non Sensitive EOs, Sensitive EOs) and GIS software tools to complete the search.
• If you encounter errors when attempting to create an ACIMS Data Screening Report, clear 'cookies' on your web browser and try again. Some web browsers may cause functionality issues. If problems persist, try switching to another web browser (for example, Google Chrome)

No Element Occurrences

If no EOs (sensitive or non-sensitive) were found in your area, no further request is needed. The lack of records in your search area does not necessarily indicate there are no rare Elements present – it could just mean that very few inventories or surveys have been done in that part of the province.

Record your search by exporting an ACIMS Data Screening Report (see above), in case proof of search is needed in the future.

Non-Sensitive Element Occurrences are found

If Non-sensitive EOs are found, record your search by exporting an ACIMS Data Screening Report (see above), in case proof of search is needed in the future. There is no need to contact ACIMS as the report includes all publicly available data for EOs in the area.

If desired, you can also export the results as a table in .csv format for ease in data processing – however, tables do not include the date and search area.

Sensitive Element Occurrences

The locations for Sensitive EOs have been generalized to ATS township. If Sensitive EOs are found within an ATS township that overlaps the search area, they will be included in the search results. Thus, the true location of the sensitive EO may fall outside of the search area.

Detailed locations for sensitive occurrences are only provided based on a demonstrated need. A request must be submitted to ACIMS with rationale indicating why location data are required. The requestor will also need to complete the Terms of Use ACIMS Data Request Form.

Make sure to record your search by exporting an ACIMS Data Screening Report (see above), in case proof of search is needed in the future.

The general process for ACIMS data requests is outlined above. However, in some cases, users require sensitive EO locations or supplemental information about Elements. In these cases, you can complete a supplemental data request.

To request Sensitive EO locations:

• use the "Search Map" and produce an ACIMS Data Screening Report confirming there are Sensitive EOs in your area of interest
• complete the Terms of Use ACIMS Data Request Form.
• email your request to [email protected] and include the signed Terms of Use ACIMS Data Requests form 

Note: Do not email ACIMS for data until you have checked the ACIMS Search Map or ACIMS Element Data (depending on type of data requested). Any users requesting publicly available data will be directed to these self-serve tools.

We will evaluate and respond to your request and advise you of an approximate timeline. Such requests will be addressed in priority, based on demonstrated need.