Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Road Network File (RNF)

Definition

The Road Network File (RNF) contains streets, street names, street types, street directions and address ranges. Address ranges are dwelling-based.

Reported in

2021, 2016, 2011, 2006 and 2001 (Road Network File covers the entire country)

1996 (Street Network File covers large urban centres only)

1991, 1986, 1981, 1976 and 1971 (Area Master File covers large urban centres only)

Remarks

The Road Network File (RNF) is based on the road network from the Spatial Data Infrastructure. Statistics Canada maintains the RNF to support the census and other activities. The relative position of road network features is important for census enumeration and reference purposes; therefore, topological accuracy takes precedence over absolute positional accuracy. The RNF does not contain street information required for route optimization. For example, data on one-way streets, dead-ends and other street obstacles are not included in the RNF. Consequently, this file is not recommended for engineering applications, emergency dispatching services, surveying or legal applications.

The RNF contains street arcs with either 'true' address ranges, imputed address ranges or no address range. Imputed address ranges are not meant to replace true address ranges for any purpose other than address geocoding. Thus, if the files are to be used for computer-aided dispatch or similar purposes (which require an address to be matched to a block or street), it may be necessary to supplement the file with local knowledge by updating existing true addresses and replacing imputed addresses.

The limitations of the RNF should be recognized for uses other than the mapping, analysis and retrieval of census data.

Refer to the related definitions of Cartographic Boundary Files (CBFs); Digital Boundary Files (DBFs); Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and to Road Network File, Reference Guide (Catalogue no. 92‑500‑G).

Changes prior to the current census

Not applicable