FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Table of Contents

  1. Who’s Who at DataBC
  2. Data Publication Licensing Options - Open Data vs Access Only
    1. What is Open Data and what is the difference between Open Data and “Access Only” public data?
    2. Why should I consider publishing data under an open data licence?
    3. Can all data be licensed as Open?
    4. How do I publish data as Open Data?
    5. Are there restrictions on how data licensed under OGL-BC can be used?
    6. How do I publish data as Open Data if I am a Crown Corporation or BC Agency?
  3. Metadata Records and the BC Data Catalogue
    1. How do I publish Metadata Records in the BC Data Catalogue as a Crown Corp or BC Agency?
    2. How do I get authorization to publish records in the BC Data Catalogue?
    3. How do I change the contact name recorded for a dataset when that contact has moved to a different role or retired?
    4. How do I change the branch or ministry name or move a branch that has moved to another ministry listed in the catalogue?
    5. Can I do bulk changes to Catalogue records?
    6. How do I add/updated descriptions or short names of fields at the bottom of a metadata record for data in the BCGW?
    7. Why would I just upload a tabular dataset to the BC Data Catalogue instead of publishing it to the BCGW?
    8. How can I find my related datasets in the Catalogue?
  4. iMapBC and Layer Library Presentations
    1. How do I update a layer presentation for my dataset?
    2. Can I update an existing layer presentation in iMapBC that is not my data?
    3. How can I request a new alternate/subset presentation of data that is not mine?
    4. How do I arrange for my data to become a permanent layer in iMapBC?
    5. How do I make my data available as a WMS/WFS
  5. ArcGIS Online (aka AGO, B.C.’s Map Hub)
    1. How do I get my data into B.C.’s Map Hub (the Province’s cloud instance of ArcGIS Online) ?
    2. How do I identify a DataBC Hosted Feature Layer in ArcGIS Online?
    3. How do I identify a DataBC BCGW equivalent Feature Layer in ArcGIS Online?
    4. Why would I publish data to ArcGIS Online only and not to the BCGW?
    5. How do I publish a map to ArcGIS Online so it’s viewable to the public?
  6. The Geographic Warehouse (BCGW)
    1. How do I publish data to the BCGW? Who do I contact at DataBC to publish my data to the BCGW?
    2. How long does it take to publish to the BCGW?
    3. What data service formats can be made available for my BCGW data?
    4. What government channels can be used to access my BCGW data?
    5. What is the LRDW?
    6. Refreshing Data - the ETL Process
    7. How do I determine the last refresh date for dataset in the BCGW
    8. Access security
    9. Downloading data from the BC Geographic Warehouse
    10. Feature Codes
    11. Retiring datasets from the BC Geographic Warehouse
  7. Getting Access to the Things you Need
    1. How do I get access to the DataBC File Staging Area?
    2. How do I get access to secure data?
    3. How do I get an account to BCGW?
    4. How do I change/reset my BCGW password?
    5. How do I unlock my BCGW account?
    6. I’ve taken over responsibility for maintaining a dataset that has been published to DataBC. How do I get access to what I need?

WHO’S WHO AT DATABC

Technical Support regarding DataBC products and services

  • (250) 952-6801
  • NRMenquiries@gov.bc.ca
  • https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/int/jira/servicedesk/customer/portals

NEW To submit product and service requests please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system.

Our Teams at DataBC

Data Discovery Services

Data Publication Services

Location Services

Map Services

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DATA PUBLICATION LICENSING OPTIONS - OPEN DATA/ACCESS ONLY

What is Open Data and what is the difference between Open Data and “Access Only” public data?

The following sections will help explain the difference between Open Data and Access Only public data.

What does Open Data mean?

  • “Open Data is the idea that some data should be freely available to everyone to use and republish as they wish, without restrictions from copyright, patents or other mechanisms of control” - Wikipedia

What does Access Only mean?

  • For the reproduction of materials found in the BC Data Catalogue, either a licence agreement (as specified in the BC Data Catalogue) will apply, or the materials are Access Only and reproduction is not permitted without written permission.
  • To request permission, please complete the Copyright Permission Request Form.
    • If a licence agreement applies, permission is subject to the terms of the specified licence.
  • Crown copyright is a form of copyright claim used by the governments of a number of Commonwealth realms. It provides special copyright rules for the Crown, i.e. government departments and (generally) state entities - Wikipedia.
  • You can find information about Crown Copyright on this BC Government website.

Why should I consider publishing data under an open data licence?

  • Licensing data as Open increases the likelihood that the public will benefit from the data, either directly or by using applications that can use the data.
  • As explained on this site, licensing data as Open increases transparency, improves public service and increases efficiency, and contributes to innovation and public service.

Can all data be licensed as Open?

How do I publish data as Open Data?

  • Datasets, under the Intellectual Property of the Province of B.C., may be eligible to be licensed under the Open Government Licence - British Columbia (OGL-BC).
  • To license a dataset as Open Data you will need to contact multiple people to authorize the dataset to be made available under the OGL-BC. The Assessment and Checklist document includes the following resources (plus others):
  • Data can be licensed under OGL-BC after:
    • The authorizations described above have been made, and the Assessment and Checklist has been signed off from your Deputy Minister or designated alternate.
    • The dataset is made available in an open format, e.g., CSV, Shape File (SHP), JSON.
      • Additional formats are noted in the OCIO’s Open Data Physical Dataset Format Standard.
      • Note that the DataBC Data Distribution facilities automatically make downloadable data available in open formats. Regardless of licence, people uploading data in proprietary formats (e.g., Excel) directly to the BC Data Catalogue are encouraged to provide datasets in an open data format (e.g., csv) as well.
    • A BC Data Catalogue (BCDC) metadata record for the dataset, linking to the appropriate Open Data Licence, has been created.
      • To obtain an account for the BCDC, approval from the dataset’s Data Custodian is required; the custodian may be a Director or Executive Director of the Branch responsible for maintaining the dataset.

Are there restrictions on how data licensed under OGL-BC can be used?

How do I publish data as Open Data if I am a Crown Corporation or BC Agency?

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METADATA RECORDS AND THE BC DATA CATALOGUE

How do I publish Metadata Records in the BC Data Catalogue as a Crown Corp or BC Agency?

  • As a member of the Broader Public Sector (BPS) you may manage your own holdings within the BC Data Catalogue.
  • To start this process, please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system with the subject as Dataset Publication as a Crown Corp or BC Agency and provide as much detail as possible in the description.

How do I get authorization to publish records in the BC Data Catalogue?

  • To obtain an account to publish and manage data and metadata records for data, applications and services, approval from the Custodian is required. The custodian may be a Director or Executive Director of a Branch.
  • Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system for a new account.

How do I change the contact name recorded for a dataset when that contact has moved to a different role or retired?

  • Each BC Data Catalogue record is required to list at least one contact within the business area.
  • The custodian of the dataset can authorize one or more people to be editors of their records.

How do I change the branch or ministry name or move a branch that has moved to another ministry listed in the catalogue?

  • Organizations regularly change names or move to other ministries as functions shift.
  • A custodian of a branch or an already delegated editor of an organization can inform us of any organizational change.
    • The administrator of the catalogue can rename and move organizations around.
    • Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system to update the organizatonal structure for your Ministry or Branch/Division.**

Can I do bulk changes to Catalogue records?

  • Bulk changes are when over 20 records need the same action, e.g.,
    • Change a contact from one person to another
    • Change a resource or more information link to a new URL
    • Change a record from one state to another, e.g., Pending Archive to Archive or push a Published record back to Draft.
  • Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system for bulk changes in the BC Data Catalogue.**

How do I add/updated descriptions or short names of fields at the bottom of a metadata record for data in the BCGW?

  • These field descriptions and short names (for Shapefiles) all come from the BC Geographic Warehouse system metadata.
  • To update these, we require the object name, field name and the new definition for the Description or Short Name.
    • If there are multiple datasets or a large number of columns, we can prepare an export to use.
  • Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system to make changes to the data model.

Why would I just upload a tabular dataset to the BC Data Catalogue instead of publishing it to the BCGW?

  • As an alternative to publishing to the BCGW, tabular datasets (CSV, text files, and Excel spreadsheets) smaller than 150MB can be uploaded directly to the Data Catalogue.

  • The following table summarizes the benefits of each of the two options:

Feature BC Data Catalogue BC Geographic Warehouse
Has a metadata record in the BC Data Catalogue Yes Yes
Datasets can be downloaded in their entirety Yes Yes
Datasets can be downloaded by specified area No Yes
Datasets larger than 150 MB can be stored No Yes
Datasets can be uploaded/stored free of charge Yes Sometimes
Datasets can be secured for viewing or download by only named users No Yes
Datasets will be available in BC Map Hub No Yes
Datasets will be permanent layers in iMapBC and the Layer Library No Yes
Datasets will be available through WMS/WFS services No Yes
  • Navigate to the organization you are an editor for
    • https://catalogue.data.gov.bc.ca/organization
    • To see what organizations you are an editor for:
  • Search for your name in the Catalogue search bar to view datasets where you are listed as a contact.

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IMAPBC AND LAYER LIBRARY LAYER PRESENTATIONS

How do I update a layer presentation for my dataset?

  • A custodial business area representative can import the layer file from the Layer Library available via:

Can I update an existing layer presentation in iMapBC that is not my data?

  • Layer presentations are authored by the custodial business area, therefore you may contact them to discuss your proposed updates.
  • This can be done by getting in touch with a contact listed in the dataset’s metadata record.
  • They will then follow the process shown in the above.
  • Note that iMapBC allows for symbology changes within a session.

How can I request a new alternate/subset presentation of data that is not mine?

How do I arrange for my data to become a permanent layer in iMapBC?

  • DataBC hosts iMapBC as a service for data residing in the BCGW.

How do I make my data available as a WMS/WFS?

  • DataBC hosts WMS/WFS as a service for data residing in the BCGW.

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ARCGIS ONLINE (aka AGO, B.C.’s MAP HUB)

How do I get my data into B.C.’s Map Hub (the Province’s cloud instance of ArcGIS Online) ?

  • There are two ways:
    1. Public datasets published to the BC Geographic Warehouse are all made available in ArcGIS Online (BC Map Hub as part of the BC Geographic Warehouse - Publication Workflow.
      1. These datasets are stored in the BC Geographic Warehouse, published as web services and registered as items in B.C.’s Map Hub. These services can then be used in any ArcGIS Online web map (or used by other web mapping platforms that can consume ESRI rest services).
      2. In some cases we may replicate BCGW layers to ArcGIS Online; the data is hosted in ArcGIS Online and updated from data sources on a regular schedule to keep it current. These “hosted layers” can then be used in any ArcGIS Online web map (or used by other web mapping platforms that can consume ESRI rest services). This is a pattern typically chosen for layers that may see high traffic periods that need to leverage ArcGIS Online’s scalability to meet high traffic demand.
    2. You may also upload datasets yourself to ArcGIS Online.
      1. Prior to hosting data in AGO, consider if the data is already available via the public BCGW layers. If it is already available, do your best to avoid publishing a duplicate layer. Hosting data in AGO consumes AGO service credits. If you choose to host data in AGO, make a habit of understanding the size of the feature layer and potential draw on service credits. B.C.’s Map Hub has an annual allocation of service credits shared by all users of the service. If we exceed the annual allocation additional service credits must be purchased – the cost of purchased service credits will be passed on to the users of the credits. The size of a hosted feature layer is listed on its item details page. For information on what uses service credits in AGO see https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-online/administer/credits.htm#ESRI_SECTION1_709121D2C7694DCAB9B8592F36F7A5BA.
      2. Data can be published to AGO in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, as well as uploading zipped shapefiles or geodatabases directly to your account. For more information, see https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-online/manage-data/publish-features.htm

How do I identify a DataBC Hosted Feature Layer in ArcGIS Online?

  • There are a few Hosted Feature Layers that DataBC supports replicating directly to AGO for high availability and high use to support emergency services.
    • This service is only offered for very limited reasons.
  • The way to easily identify if it is hosted is:
    • The URL listed on the bottom right of a BC Maphub items detail page:
      • https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=397a1defe7f04c2b8ef6511f6c087dbf
    • Includes serviceX in the path, e.g.,
      • https://services6.arcgis.com/ubm4tcTYICKBpist/arcgis/rest/services/…
  • These items are noted as Managed by databcfme

How do I identify a DataBC BCGW equivalent Feature Layer in ArcGIS Online?

  • All publicly visible datasets in iMapBC and has a Catalogue record is made available in BC’s Maphub through an automated process.
  • These are dynamic services that are live to the BCGW.
  • The way to easily identify if one is a service is:
    • The URL listed on the bottom right of a BC Maphub items detail page:
      • https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=9531eda4829945f683393841b2b92c21
    • Includes https://maps.gov.bc.ca/arcserver/rest/services/whse/… in the path
  • These items are noted as Managed by Province.Of.British.Columbia

Why would I publish data to ArcGIS Online only and not to the BCGW?

  • Datasets can be uploaded directly to B.C.’s Map Hub. This is a common pattern when:
    • it is not desirable to make the data accessible via the multiple channels available for BCGW-hosted data (e.g., iMapBC, WMS/WFS, Data Distribution, Open Government Licence - BC licensing).
    • publishing directly is an interim solution while preparing to model/load data to BCGW.
  • The following table summarizes the benefits of each of the two options:
Feature ArcGIS Online BC Geographic Warehouse
Has a metadata record in the BC Data Catalogue Yes (if shared to public) Yes
Datasets can be downloaded in their entirety from the BC Data Catalogue No Yes
Datasets can be downloaded by specified area No Yes
Datasets can be uploaded/stored free of charge Yes (unless additional service credits are required) Sometimes
Datasets can be secured for viewing by only named users Not yet (planned in future) Yes
Datasets can be secured for download by only named users No Yes
Datasets will be permanent layers in iMapBC and the Layer Library No Yes
Datasets will be available through WMS/WFS services Yes (possible via AGO, may be limited) Yes
Datasets with personal information can be stored No Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system to discuss options
Datasets with sensitive information (excluding personal information) can be stored Yes, if the data custodian agrees. Yes
Datasets can be made available in an open format Not at this time Yes

How do I publish a map to ArcGIS Online so it’s viewable to the public?

  • Sharing content to public via B.C.’s Map Hub is a privilege reserved for ArcGIS Online administrators.
  • Making ArcGIS Online content available to the public requires a checklist to be completed and approved by the director of the business area responsible for the content (i.e., the Data Custodian).
  • Metadata is required for ArcGIS Online hosted datasets when they are shared to public. BC Data Catalogue records and ArcGIS Online item details pages must be populated as per the procedures described at [BC Map Hub](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=DE0602BB42664AA28C9F059D45CC1CC2 iv. For more information on the workflow to share content to public from ArcGIS Online please see: https://www.yammer.com/gov.bc.ca/threads/1207288411

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THE BC GEOGRAPHIC WAREHOUSE (BCGW)

How do I publish data to the BCGW? Who do I contact at DataBC to publish my data to the BCGW?

How long does it take to publish to the BCGW?

The length of time it takes is dependent on many factors but can take anywhere from a few weeks to many.

To help reduce delays in your data publication, review Data Publication - Am I Ready? to understand more about how to prepare for publishing data to the BCGW:

What data service formats can be made available for my BCGW data?

  1. Web Map Service (WMS)
  2. Web Feature Service (WFS)
  3. Keyhole Markup Language (KML)
  4. ESRI Rest

What government channels can be used to access my BCGW data?

  1. Direct Connect via mapping applications (i.e., ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.)
  2. BC Data Catalogue
  3. iMapBC
  4. BC’s Map Hub (ArcGIS Online)
  5. Data Download from iMapBC and the BC Data Catalogue

What is the LRDW?

  • If you remember or frequently refer to the LRDW, then you’ve probably been around for a while. The LRDW or Land and Resource Data Warehouse, is the historic name for what is now the BCGW or the BC Geographic Warehouse.

Refreshing Data - the ETL Process

What is ETL?

  • ETL stands for Extract, Transform, Load.
  • Extracting data from a source system, possibly performing some operations on the data, and then loading the result into the BCGW.
  • Within DataBC, ETL is also referred to as replication.

How is a dataset replicated to the BCGW?

  • Data is replicated to the BCGW using different products that suit the specific architecture of the data.

Where can datasets be replicated from?

BCGW Staging Area
  • The BCGW Staging Area is a permanent location managed by DataBC to allow the transfer of file based data that is publication ready to be replicated to the BC Geographic Warehouse.
BC Data Catalogue file store
  • The BC Data Catalogue can store CSV, XLSX, JSON, and zipped shapefiles as long as their size is less than 150 MB.
  • Such files can be used as sources for the replication process.
A RESTful Web Service
  • RESTful Web Services allow data to be transferred between systems using the HTTP protocol.
  • A RESTful API is an application program interface that, among other things, can allow a user to fetch data from a source system by navigating to a URL in a web browser.
  • The BC Data Catalogue is built using a Restful API called the CKAN API.
  • Some datasets in the BCGW are replicated from source systems using RESTful web services.
An Operational Database
  • A source database managed by a business area with a (BCGW-ready) table or view to be replicated to the BCGW.

How often is my dataset refreshed in the BCGW?

  • Refresh schedules are determined in consultation with the Data Manager. The frequency may be anywhere from hourly to annually, depending on consumption requirements and how often the source data changes. “On request” replications are also supported.

How do I request that my dataset be refreshed (outside the normal schedule)?

How do I get the scheduled refresh frequency changed?

  • The refresh frequency of a dataset may change over its lifecycle. This can be altered as needed to meet the business requirements.
  • Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system to change the refresh schedule.

How do I determine the source of a dataset in the BCGW?

  • A custodial business area or delegate can open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system with the subject line Request: Source of Dataset in BCGW, providing the url of the dataset(s) metadata record in the BC Data Catalogue.
  • As folks move around government or retire, at times the knowledge of the data flow may become unknown to a data provider.
  • The DataBC Architecture Services team can assist with understanding how the data gets from source to the BCGW.

How do I change where my dataset is being replicated from?

  • Sources of datasets that are published into the BCGW change during its lifecycle and as such automated replication platforms will need to be updated to meet the new data management configuration. It is recommended to engage with DataBC early on when changing a source format as we can move alongside during the development, testing and finalization process.
  • Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system to change where your dataset is being replicated from.

How do I determine the last refresh date for dataset in the BCGW?

  • Depending on the model of the dataset/table in the BCGW, it can be challending to determine this when things are joined together. Thus we have built an internal process to derive the last refresh or reload date (some datasets only replicate if changed, others are a full truncate and load).
  • This process then writes to the BC Data Catalogue and populates via a rest endpoint to the last_modified field at the resource level where it has a matching Object Name (object_name) populated.
  • This field you can see via the catalogue API and currently working to make visible on the UI.
    • See the API common calls page for examples of using package_show to show all metadata fiedls as well as other calls.

Access security

How do I change the security for my dataset in the BCGW?

  • The security of a dataset may change over time with its lifecycle.
    • Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system to change the data model, with the subject line Request: Update security for a dataset in the BCGW, providing the url of the dataset(s) metadata record in the BC Data Catalogue.
    • Altering a security profile will potentially include changes to BCGW Oracle Grants, iMapBC/IMF2, Distribution and its metadata in the BC Data Catalogue.

Downloading data from the BC Geographic Warehouse

How do I make something downloadable from the BCGW?

  • A custodial business are may choose to make datasets in the BCGW under their authority downloadable. Data can be downloaded using either the BC Data Catalogue or iMapBC.
  • Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system with the subject line Request: Update distribution for a dataset in the BCGW, providing the url of the dataset(s) metadata record in the BC Data Catalogue. Security options are:
    1. Public download
    2. Download when authenticated with a valid IDIR
    3. Download when authenticated with a valid IDIR or Business BCeID
    4. Download when authenticated with a specific IDIR
    5. Download when authenticated with a specific IDIR or Business BCeID

I download data frequently, can I find my past orders?

  • This option is available for users who log in to iMapBC or the BC Data Catalogue when downloading datasets.

Feature Codes

How do I get a Feature Code (FCODE) created/updated?

  • Feature Codes or FCODEs are no longer mandatory in the BCGW, there are however still cases where these are needed.
  • To obtain a new FCODE, please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system with the subject line Request: FCODE for a dataset in the BCGW, providing the url of the dataset(s) metadata record in the BC Data Catalogue.

Do I really need Feature Codes?

  • Feature Codes or FCODEs are not mandatory in the BCGW but they are still useful to delineate features in a dataset.
  • Datasets that only contain one type of information do not need an FCODE.
  • Datasets that already have FCODEs that are used to separate and symbolize different values, it is recommend to create an FCODE when a new value is then created.
  • Refer to How do I get an Feature Code (FCODE) created/updated?

Retiring datasets from the BC Geographic Warehouse

How do I retire a dataset from the BCGW?

Where is the list of past retirement notifications?

How do I retire data and/or a proxy that is in the BCGW and which is tied to my application?

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DOWNLOADING DATA

Why is there no data in my AOI (Area of Interest) when I download data?

  • You are likely attempting to download non-spatial data as a spatial file (i.e., fdgb or shapefile). Try downloading as a csv instead.
  • Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system if you continue to experience issues.

After I receive notification that my data has been assembled, there are no files in the directory.

  • There may be firewall limitations on your end that prevent you from accessing the data. Try accessing the file(s) using a public wifi connection.
  • Large orders have a time delay built in to the process. You may have received notification that your order has been assembled, but it may still be working away at zipping up the data for you. Try again in 5 minutes.
  • Please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system if you continue to experience issues.

GETTING ACCESS TO THE THINGS YOU NEED

How do I get access to the DataBC File Staging Area?

  • Fill out a Data Systems & Services request system ticket:
    • Subject include the name of the dataset request is for
      • This will provide DataBC with a better understanding of the relationship between you and the data
    • Select BCGW Staging Area

How do I get access to secure data?

  • Access to secure data must be authorized by the custodial business area.
    • Each custodial business area has its own processes they follow to grant access using different security configurations.
  • Some datasets have data use agreements that must be signed with the custodial business area.
  • Review the contacts shown on the metadata records to discuss access.

Quick links for commonly requested access:

How do I get an account to BCGW?

For those in the Natural Resource Ministries:

  • Fill out the GTS / ArcGIS Desktops - Access Request
    • Recipient IDIR ID: your IDIR
    • Spatial Files 1 and 2 (optional): choose your business area from either of the two drop-down menus. If you are unsure, leave these blank and provide details as specified in the Additional Information section .
    • GTS Email Distribution List: choose the first option, unless you wish to receive more detailed communication or you are a contractor.
    • ESRI License Type: choose the license type that best descibes the work that you do.
    • Additional Information: Any additional information can be provided here. If you require access to the BCGW Delivery and/or Test environment(s) please add that request in this section noting which environment(s) access is required.

For those outside the Natural Resouce Ministries:

  • Email NRMenquiries@gov.bc.ca
  • Include:
    • IDIR or BCGW account name if different than your IDIR
    • Spatial Files: Don’t require
    • GTS Email Distribution List: Recommend if using the NRM GTS to direct connect
    • ESRI Licence Type: Needed if using the NRM GTS
    • If requiring accounts to BCGW Delivery and/or Test

How do I change/reset my BCGW password?

For those in the Natural Resource Ministries:

  • Fill out the form in the NRM Business Service Desk Application as follows:

    • Summary: your IDIR
    • Application: BCGW - BC Geographic Warehouse
    • Account ID: MY ORACLE ID (normally the same as your IDIR)
    • Description: Please reset my Oracle password in the BCGW (choose the environment(s) that apply to you: production, test, and/or delivery) environment(s).

For those outside the Natural Resouce Ministries:

  • Email NRMenquiries@gov.bc.ca with BCGW account name or
  • Call (250) 952-6801

How do I unlock my BCGW account?

For those in the Natural Resource Ministries:

  • Fill out the form in the NRM Business Service Desk Application as follows:

    • Summary: your IDIR
    • Application: BCGW - BC Geographic Warehouse
    • Account ID: MY ORACLE ID (normally the same as your IDIR)
    • Description: Please unlock my Oracle account in the BCGW (choose the environment(s) that apply to you: production, test, and/or delivery) environment(s).

For those outside the Natural Resouce Ministries:

  • Email NRMenquiries@gov.bc.ca with BCGW account name or
  • Call (250) 952-6801

I’ve taken over responsibility for maintaining a dataset that has been published using DataBC’s services. How do I get access to what I need?

  • To request access, please open a ticket with the Data Systems & Services request system.

  • Access may involve accounts and security for:

    1. BC Geographic Warehouse and secure Oracle database roles, iMapBC roles, and Distribution roles
    2. BC Data Catalogue
    3. BCGW Staging Area

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