As Canada's principal Earth science agency and as a world-renowned organization, the Earth Sciences Sector (ESS) provides Canadians with timely and reliable geomatics and geoscience knowledge. ESS provides products and services of the highest standards and in the most cost-effective manner possible. Through an ongoing commitment to quality services and the excellence of its employees, the Sector has a strong, positive impact on Canada's national well-being. ESS continues to seek innovation in the delivery of its programs and in the way it works with its clients and partners.

The Earth Sciences Sector houses the Geological Survey of Canada, Geomatics Canada, and Polar Continental Shelf Project as a single administrative unit. Each of these vital organizations has retained a strong identity under ESS, and each continues to maintain a separate Web presence.

The Earth Sciences Sector provides the basic knowledge needed for sound decision-making in support of mineral, oil, and gas exploration, environmental assessment, and land-use planning. Geoscience underpins efforts to help Canadians develop strategies to mitigate the effects of hazards such as earthquakes and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

ESS provides a national focus for the acquisition and interpretation of data, and the production of a wide variety of maps. It also provides information and scientific expertise concerning the Canadian landmass and offshore in the fields of geology, geodesy, land surveying, mapping, and remote sensing.

Headquarters for the Geological Survey of Canada, Geomatics Canada, and Polar Continental Shelf Project are located in Ottawa. There are also facilities and offices across the country. Locations and addresses are available on our Office locations page.

The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) is the oldest scientific organization in Canada. Here you will find the history of the GSC and also the history of various programs and divisions within the Earth Sciences Sector.