Glossary

Agency

A combination of first- and second-level or second- and third-level names of the agency that operates a network.

Agency URL

The website address of the agency that operates a network.

Agency name

The first-level name of the agency that operates a network (e.g., Government of Yukon).

Branch name

The third-level name (e.g., branch) of the agency that operates a network (e.g., Water Resources Branch).

Coordinate accuracy

The degree of closeness of the location coordinates to the true location on the ground. Some coordinates are quite inaccurate (e.g., to the nearest minute as read from small-scale topographic maps). Some coordinates are quite accurate (e.g., to the nearest 10 metres from a GPS unit). Note, however, that the base maps used on yukonwater.ca are biased slightly relative to GPS locations, such that GPS coordinates are not as accurate as implied. Coordinates of unknown accuracy should be considered inaccurate.

List of values

  • Minute (rounded or truncated)
    Coordinate rounded or truncated to the minute, which in Yukon represents an approximately rectangular area of 1km E-W and 2km N-S, varying by latitude. If rounded, coordinate is rectangle centre; if truncated, coordinate is rectangle SE corner.
  • Unknown
    Coordinate of unknown accuracy.
  • ±10m
    Coordinate known to the nearest 10 metres.
  • ±1m
    Coordinate known to the nearest 1 metre.
  • ±3m
    Coordinate known to the nearest 3 metres.
  • ±50m
    Coordinate known to the nearest 50 metres.
  • ±62.5m MMU 250K
    Coordinate known to the nearest 62.5 metres, which is the minimum mapping unit (i.e., smallest dimension that can be drawn) at 1:250,000 (MMU = 125m = ±62.5m). This is the accuracy of coordinates digitized from topographic maps of this scale.

Coordinate datum

A datum is a mathematical model that provides a smooth approximation of the earth's surface. The datum is a reference for defining location coordinates. The coordinates of a location on the earth will vary slightly among datums. The standard datum for the Yukon Water Data Catalogue is the North American Datum 1983 (NAD83). The base maps displayed on yukonwater.ca are in NAD83. The World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) datum, which is commonly the default datum of GPS units, is considered equivalent to NAD83 throughout Yukon. Coordinates that were not in either NAD83 or WGS84 were transformed to NAD83 for inclusion in the Yukon Water Data Catalogue. If the datum is unknown, the associated locations are potentially inaccurate.

List of values

  • North American Datum 1927
    Coordinates are based on the North American Datum 1927
  • North American Datum 1983
    Coordinates are based on the North American Datum 1983.
  • Unknown
    Coordinates are based on an unknown datum.
  • World Geodetic System 1984
    Coordinates are based on the World Geodetic System 1984

Coordinate quality

A qualitative indicator of coordinate quality based on coordinate accuracy and datum. If coordinate quality is either poor or suspect, then the mapped location is a poor or possibly poor representation of the actual location of the site.

Coordinate source

The method used to determine the location coordinates of a network sample site, such as by reading coordinates off of a topographic map (potentially inaccurate); digitizing from a point plotted on map or air photo in the field onto a digital map or air photo in a computer (potentially fairly accurate, notwithstanding mapping errors in the field); or by a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit in the field (usually fairly accurate, especially as of May 2000).

List of values

  • Digitized 1:250K NTDB
    Coordinates are heads-up digitized against 1:250,000 NTDB (National Topographic Database) map layers.
  • Digitized Quickbird 0.6m res
    Coordinates are heads-up digitized against 0.6m pixel resolution Quickbird satellite orthophotos, post-processed to National Road Network with min 10m accuracy.
  • Digitized orthophoto 1.0m res
    Coordinates are heads-up digitized against 1.0m pixel resolution orthophotos from standard aerial photography with 2m GPS ground control accuracy.
  • Navigational uncorrected GPS
    Coordinates are from a navigational or uncorrected GPS device.
  • Topographic map of unknown scale
    Coordinates are estimated from a topographic map of unknown scale or type.
  • Unknown
    Coordinates are from an unknown source.

Department name

The second-level name (e.g., department) of the agency that operates a network (e.g., Environment Yukon).

Drainage area (sqkm)

The extent of land (in square kilometres) that drains upstream of a network sample site.

Elevation (m)

The height of a network sample site in metres above sea level.

Elevation source

The method used to determine the elevation of a network sample site.

Latitude

The location of a network sample site in geographic coordinates: latitude expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds. Some locations are accurate, some are not: see coordinate source, accuracy, and datum for details.

Latitude (dd)

The location of a network sample site in geographic coordinates: the angular distance (in decimal degrees) north of the equator. Some locations are accurate, some are not: see coordinate source, accuracy, and datum for details.

Legislation

A list of acts, regulations, and other legislation that authorizes or mandates data collection by an agency through a network of sample sites.

Longitude

The location of a network sample site in geographic coordinates: longitude expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds. Some locations are accurate, some are not: see coordinate source, accuracy, and datum for details.

Longitude (dd)

The location of a network sample site in geographic coordinates: the angular distance (in decimal degrees) east of the prime meridian. Some locations are accurate, some are not: see coordinate source, accuracy, and datum for details.

Major drainage

The major drainage basin (watershed) occupied by a network sample site. Drainage basins are from the Water Survey of Canada and Atlas of Canada Drainage Areas dataset, which are compiled at a scale of 1:1,000,000. Sites were associated with drainage basins by overlaying site locations on the drainage dataset. Some sites may have been misclassified because of inaccurate site locations and scale-related errors in drainage boundaries.

NTS mapsheet (250k)

The 1:250,000 scale Canadian National Topographic System mapsheet number occupied by a network sample site. Sites were associated with mapsheets by overlaying site locations on the mapsheet dataset. Some sites may have been misclassified because of inaccurate site locations.

NTS mapsheet (50k)

The 1:50,000 scale Canadian National Topographic System mapsheet number occupied by a network sample site. Sites were associated with mapsheets by overlaying site locations on the mapsheet dataset. Some sites may have been misclassified because of inaccurate site locations.

Network code

A code representing a network of water sample sites. The code is usually an acronym of the network name.

Network contact address

The mailing address of the person to contact for more information about a network or its sites.

Network contact email

The email address of the person to contact for more information about a network or its sites.

Network contact fax

The fax number of the person to contact for more information about a network or its sites.

Network contact name

The name of the person to contact for more information about a network or its sites.

Network contact phone

The phone number of the person to contact for more information about a network or its sites.

Network data access notes

Notes related to accessing the data for a network, such as what format the data are in.

Network description

A description of the nature and objectives of a network.

Network general URL

The website address for accessing more information about a network, as provided by the agency that operates the network.

Network name

The name of a network of water sample sites. A network is operated by an agency, such as a branch of a government department.

Network site ID

System-generated unique ID number representing a sampling site for a particular network. This ID number has no association to other databases and is subject to change when data are loaded into the Yukon Water Data Catalogue.

Network site code

A code representing a particular sample site in a particular network. Network site codes are provided by the agency that operates the network. Network site codes are unique within networks but not across networks. The combination of network site code and either network name or network code form a unique identifier for the site within the Yukon Water Data Catalogue dataset.

Network site name

A name used to refer to a particular site in a particular network. Network site names are provided by the agency that operates the network. The names typically reference a location, such as a river, mountain, or community. Network site names and codes are sometimes the same. Unlike network site codes, network site names may not be unique within or across networks.

Network site notes

Any additional notes pertaining to a network sample site.

Network specific URL

A more specific website address, such as for accessing a network's data, as provided by the agency that operates the network.

Network type

The type of network identifies the overall focus of water sampling for the network. Other types of sampling may occur at the sites within the network.

List of values

  • Aquatic Health
    Networks focused on assessing water quality through the health of aquatic ecosystems.
  • Hydrometeorological
    Networks focused on quantifying different elements of the water cycle.
  • Water Quality
    Networks focused on assessing water quality through physical, chemical, and biological methods.

Operation schedule

Identifies in general terms the annual schedule of sampling at a site by a network (e.g., seasonal, continuous, miscellaneous). Sampling during the operation schedule occurs at a particular frequency.

List of values

  • Continuous
    The operation or sampling schedule of the site is continuous or year-round.
  • Miscellaneous
    The operation or sampling schedule of the site is something other than seasonal or continuous.
  • Seasonal
    The operation or sampling schedule of the site is seasonal.
  • Unknown
    The operation schedule of the site is not known.

Other agencies

Other agencies involved in sampling sites for a network on behalf of the agency that operates the network.

Parameter

A particular type of measurement or observation made at a network sample site. Parameters have a unit of measure. Parameters are grouped into parameter classes and into sample types.

List of values

    Parameter class

    A list of parameter classes taken at a network sample site. A parameter class is a group of related measurements or observations. Parameter classes are grouped into one or more sample type, and are further sudivided into parameters.

    List of values

    • Biological
      Biological methods for assessing water quality, including biomass measurements.
    • Depth to groundwater
      The distance from the surface of the ground (or top of well casing) to the top surface of the water under the ground (in a borehole).
    • Depth to permafrost
      The distances from the surface of the ground to the upper surface and lower surface of the permafrost layer.
    • Fish
      The collection, counting, and identification of fish species to determine species occurrence and/or population density.
    • Humidity
      Measurements of humidity, the quantity of water vapour in a given volume of surrounding air.
    • Inorganics
      Analyses for inorganic nonmetallic constituents, including sulphate, fluoride, cyanide, chlorine, bromine, pH, and dissolved oxygen.
    • Invertebrates
      The collection, counting, and identification of macroinvertebrates to determine species occurrence and/or population density.
    • Metals
      Measurements of dissolved, extractable or total metals including arsenic, cadmium, copper, gold, iron, lead, mercury, selenium, zinc, and more.
    • Microbiological
      Microbiological tests for the detection and enumeration of indicator organisms and pathogens.
    • Nutrients
      Analyses for phosphorous and nitrogen based compounds.
    • Organics
      Analyses for aggregate organic constituents and indvidual organic compounds including biochemical oxygen demand, phenols, oil & grease, and benzene.
    • Other
      Other measurements not classified in given categories.
    • Physical
      Measurements of physical and aggregate properties of water including colour, turbidity, odour, taste, acidity, alkalinity, hardness, conductivity, salinity, solids, and temperature.
    • Precipitation
      Rain or snowfall amount recorded in liquid water equivalent.
    • Snow depth
      The distance from the top surface of the snow to the surface of the ground.
    • Snow water equivalent
      The depth of liquid water contained in the snowpack, if the snowpack was melted.
    • Streamflow discharge
      The per unit time volume of water flow.
    • Surface water level
      An arbitrary water level relative to a benchmark elevation.
    • Temperature
      An index of radiation input - relative class of heating or cooling.
    • Toxicity
      Toxicity tests to determine the relative sensitivity of aquatic organisms to an effluent or toxicant.
    • Wind
      Measurements of wind direction and speed.

    Parameter classes by sample type

    A list of parameter classes by sample type (format: sample type - parameter class). For defintions of terms, see attributes Sample type and Parameter class and their associated attribute values.

    Relocation indicator

    Indicates whether or not sampling equipment was relocated to or from this site; or whether or not the sampling equipment was moved within a network sample site. Additional information about the relocation may be in the associated relocation notes. The Yukon Water Data Catalogue dataset does not include a column that associates relocated sites.

    List of values

    • No
      No relocation of sampling stations has occurred.
    • Unknown
      It is not known whether a sampling station was relocated to or from this site.
    • Yes
      A sampling station was relocated from or to this site.

    Relocation note

    Notes pertaining to site relocation.

    Sample frequency

    Identifies the interval between sampling events at a site by a network.

    List of values

    • Annually
      Annual sampling or measurement.
    • Bi-annually
      Sampling or measurement twice annually.
    • Continuous
      Continuous sampling or measurement.
    • Daily
      Daily sampling or measurement.
    • Every 2 weeks
      Sampling or measurement every two weeks.
    • Infrequently
      Sampling or measurement occurring at irregular and infrequent intervals.
    • Monthly
      Monthly sampling or measurement.
    • One time
      Sampling or measurement was a one-time event.
    • Periodically
      Regular sampling or measurement.
    • Quarterly
      Sampling or measurement four times annually.
    • Real time
      Continuous sampling or measurement available immediately, normally by telemetry.
    • Unknown
      Frequency of sampling or measurement is unknown (e.g., information was not provided by the participating agency).
    • Weekly
      Weekly sampling or measurement.

    Sample frequency and operation schedule

    A list of sampling frequencies and operation schedules for a network sample site (format: Frequency Schedule (status)). Frequency is the interval between sampling events (e.g., Weekly). If sampling is carried out on a seasonal basis (e.g., during summer only), then Schedule is Seasonal (e.g., Weekly Seasonal) . If Seasonal is not stated, then the sampling schedule is either year-round or not specified. If a sampling frequency is not currently in use at the site, then status is discontinued (e.g., Weekly Seasonal (discontinued)). For definitions of terms, see attributes Sample frequency and Operation schedule and their associated attribute values.

    Sample periods

    A list of the start and end years of sampling at a network sample site, and number of years for each period of record. Updated annually for the Yukon Water Data Catalogue dataset.

    Sample type

    A list of sample types taken at a network sample site. A sample type is a high-level group of related or similar measurements or observations. Sample types are further subdivided into parameter classes and parameters.

    List of values

    • Aquatic organisms
      Measurements of species occurrence and population density of aquatic organisms.
    • Hydrological
      Hydrological measurements including streamflow, surface and groundwater level.
    • Meteorological
      Meteorological measurements including temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity, and other climate-related parameters.
    • Microbiological
      Microbiological examinations of water samples to determine sanitary quality.
    • Permafrost
      Permafrost measurements including the depth to permafrost and ground temperature.
    • Sediment chemistry
      Analyses for organic, inorganic, nutrient and metal compounds in sediments.
    • Snowpack
      Snow measurements including snow depth and snow water equivalent.
    • Water chemistry
      Measurements of physical properties of water; analyses for organic, inorganic, nutrient and metal compounds; as well as biological and toxicity testing.

    Sample years

    A list of the years in which sampling occurred at a network sample site. Updated annually for the Yukon Water Data Catalogue dataset.

    Sampling continuity

    Indicates whether sampling at a network sample site has been Continuous or Discontinuous since the first year of sampling. Continuous means sampled at least once per year since inception. Updated annually for the Yukon Water Data Catalogue dataset.

    Sampling duration

    The number of years in which sampling occurred at a network sample site. Updated annually for the Yukon Water Data Catalogue dataset.

    Sampling end year

    The last year that sampling occurred at a Discontinued network sample site. End year is empty (null) for Active sites. Updated annually for the Yukon Water Data Catalogue dataset.

    Sampling start year

    The first year that sampling occurred at a network sample site.

    Sampling status

    Indicates whether a site is Active (currently being sampled) or Discontinued (no longer being sampled). Updated annually for the Yukon Water Data Catalogue dataset.

    Site ID

    System-generated unique ID number representing a site. This ID number has no association to other databases and is subject to change when data are loaded into the Yukon Water Data Catalogue.

    Site state

    Indicates whether or not a network sample site is in a more or less natural or baseline state (i.e., in a location that is relatively unaffected by human activity). Site state may change over time. Such changes are not reflected in this database.

    List of values

    • Natural
      A site that is in a more or less natural state, unaffected by human-caused treatments, effluents, or other impacts.
    • Other
      A site that is affected by human-caused treatments, effluents, or other impacts.
    • Unknown
      It is not know whether the site is in a natural or affected state (e.g., information was not provided by the participating agency).

    Site state note

    Notes pertaining to site state.

    Source

    The Yukon Water Data Catalogue website, from which these data were downloaded.

    Sub drainage

    The sub-drainage basin (sub-watershed) occupied by a network sample site. Drainage basins are from the Water Survey of Canada and Atlas of Canada Drainage Areas dataset, which are compiled at a scale of 1:1,000,000. Sites were associated with drainage basins by overlaying site locations on the drainage dataset. Some sites may have been misclassified because of inaccurate site locations and scale-related errors in drainage boundaries.

    Sub sub drainage

    The sub-sub-drainage basin (sub-sub-watershed) occupied by a network sample site. Drainage basins are from the Water Survey of Canada and Atlas of Canada Drainage Areas dataset, which are compiled at a scale of 1:1,000,000. Sites were associated with drainage basins by overlaying site locations on the drainage dataset. Some sites may have been misclassified because of inaccurate site locations and scale-related errors in drainage boundaries..

    Sub sub drainage code

    A code representing the sub-sub-drainage basin (sub-sub-watershed) occupied by a network sample site. Drainage basin codes are from the Water Survey of Canada and Atlas of Canada Drainage Areas dataset, which are compiled at a scale of 1:1,000,000. Sites were associated with drainage basins by overlaying site locations on the drainage dataset. Some sites may have been misclassified because of inaccurate site locations and scale-related errors in drainage boundaries.

    UTM easting (m)

    The location of a network sample site in Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates: the eastward-measured distance (in metres) of a site from the origin of the grid for the associated UTM zone. Some locations are accurate, some are not: see coordinate source, accuracy, and datum for details.

    UTM northing (m)

    The location of a network sample site in Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates: the northward-measured distance (in metres) of a site from the origin of the grid for the associated UTM zone. Some locations are accurate, some are not: see coordinate source, accuracy, and datum for details.

    UTM zone

    The location of a network sample site in Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates: the UTM zone that a site occupies. Some locations are accurate, some are not: see coordinate source, accuracy, and datum for details.

    Version

    The date on which data were last refreshed in the Yukon Water Data Catalogue. Updates are generally infrequent (e.g., annually).