Explore Critical Habitat

How To/Environmental layers

Environmental layers

Compare a recorded site with the published Critical Habitat layer, then consult the corresponding official recovery documents.

Walkthrough paused.

Follow the written steps or select Play walkthrough to watch the example.

iPhone Duo · 0.5× speedPlay walkthroughPause walkthrough

Watch the Critical Habitat (SARA Status) layer switch. Follow the steps to explore the public map layer and read its limits.Open the looping GIF

Follow along

One step at a time.

Compare a recorded site with the published Critical Habitat layer, then consult the corresponding official recovery documents.

1. 01

   Open the public overlay

   In Map Layers, enable Critical Habitat (SARA Status). This is the actual iLands control used for the tutorial.

2. 02

   Make the context readable

   Zoom in where required and adjust Opacity. Compare the public layer with the relevant recorded land location without moving the record to match the overlay.

3. 03

   Inspect source information

   Where identification is supported, open the map result and review available species, status and source fields. Keep the published map context with your notes.

4. 04

   Read the supporting identification

   Find the relevant recovery strategy or action plan in the public registry. Check its critical-habitat description before drawing conclusions from a coloured boundary alone.

Before you start

• An iLands account with access to the relevant records.
• Available actions depend on edition, plan, device and sharing role.
• Internet access for public provider data.

Good to know

• Interpret the mapped area with the species’ supporting critical-habitat description. A coloured boundary alone may not provide the complete determination.
• An empty or unavailable layer does not establish absence of a species or important habitat.
• Public service coverage, connectivity and zoom affect display. Protect restricted species locations and culturally sensitive information.

Keep exploring

Choose map layers ↗

Sources and further reading

• iLands User Manual, revised October 2026, Enterprise 1.1.5
• ECCC Critical habitat identification toolbox

Listen to the Land.Explore all tutorials →