Canadian Pedestrian Network open database (CPND)

Detailed information for 2025

For the purpose of exploring open data for official statistics and to support research, planning, policy across various domains, the Data Exploration and Integration Lab (DEIL) undertook a project to create an accessible and harmonized database of walking infrastructure within Canada.

Data release - March 19, 2025

• Description
• Data sources and methodology
• Data accuracy

Description

The dataset is a compilation of data from open and internet sources on the locations and types of educational facilities across Canada, originating from municipal, regional, and provincial governments. It is a centralized and harmonized repository of educational facility data made available under the Open Government License - Canada. The database is expected to be updated periodically as new open datasets from government sources become available.

The benefit of open data is that any user can access and make use of it freely. Individuals, formal and informal organizations, or enterprises can use the data and other information to research and innovate on any number of topics.

Reference period: The reference period for these data varies. For more information on the reference period of a specific dataset, please consult the open data portal for that data provider directly.

Data sources and methodology

Target population

Pedestrian infrastructure encompasses built structures within urban environments designed to support walking as a mode of transportation. It includes pathways such as sidewalks, pedestrian paths, multi-use paths, unpaved paths, and pedestrian zones. Additionally, it incorporates connectors like crosswalks, bridges, underpasses, and stairways, which help pedestrians navigate obstacles safely and efficiently. All such infrastructure are in scope.

Instrument design

This methodology type does not apply to this statistical program.

Sampling

This methodology does not apply.

Data sources

Responding to this survey is voluntary.

Data are collected from other Statistics Canada surveys and/or other sources.

Individual open datasets were downloaded from their respective government open data portals.

The primary processing component for the database comprised reformatting the source data to a standardised format and mapping the original dataset attributes to standard variable names. Key processing steps included: standardization, assigning spatial regions, filtering, deduplication, and cleaning.

Error detection

The data were subject to several rounds of validation. Columns were assessed to ensure entries were valid and in the expected format. The latitude and longitude of records were checked to ensure that they fell within a valid range. Any data points that fell outside Canadian boundaries were dropped.

In general, the data represents what is available from the original sources without modification.

Imputation

In general, the data represents what is available from the original sources without modification. The exception to this includes the assignment of infrastructure classification, standardization of surface type and width variables, and the addition of CSD names.

Estimation

This methodology type does not apply to this statistical program.

Quality evaluation

The data were subject to several rounds of validation. Columns were assessed to ensure entries were valid and in the expected format. Missing values in each column were counted and any records with missing geometries were dropped. The latitude and longitude of records were checked to ensure that they fell within a valid range. Any data points that fell outside Canadian boundaries were dropped.

Disclosure control

This methodology does not apply.

Revisions and seasonal adjustment

This methodology type does not apply to this statistical program.

Data accuracy

This methodology type does not apply to this statistical program.