Water Distance Calculator
Distance to nearest water bodies and streams
Measure distances from any point in Alberta to the nearest water bodies, streams, and wetlands. Supports multiple water datasets including Government of Alberta base hydrology (waterbodies and streams), ABMI wetland inventory, and a combined all-water view. Results include bearing, distance, feature name, and classification for each water feature.
Tool screenshot coming soon
Key Features
- •Distance and bearing calculation to nearest water bodies, streams, and wetlands
- •Multiple data source options: GoA Waterbodies, GoA Streams, ABMI Wetlands, or all combined
- •Configurable search radius from 0.1 km to 5 km
- •Flow direction modeling with configurable bearing and directional fan visualization
- •Transverse feature identification for cross-gradient water bodies
- •Interactive map visualization with distance arrows and labeled features
- •Customizable visualization styling (arrow color, width, label size)
- •Full feature data layer toggle to display all water features within the search radius
- •CSV and PDF export of results
How It Works
Select a location
Click on the map to set your analysis point. The tool highlights all water features within your search radius.
Choose data source
Select which water dataset to query: GoA waterbodies, GoA streams, ABMI wetlands, or all water features combined.
Set parameters
Configure search radius and number of features. Optionally enable flow direction to identify upstream, downstream, and cross-gradient features.
Review results
Results show each water feature with its name, classification, distance (m), bearing, and direction relative to flow. Features are visualized on the map.
Data Sources
240K+ waterbody polygons from Government of Alberta Base Hydrology
747K+ stream polylines with classification from GoA Base Hydrology
Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute wetland inventory polygons
Common Use Cases
- 1Determining distance to nearest surface water for ESRD 2014 Tier 1 and Tier 2 guideline selection
- 2Identifying water features within regulatory notification radius of contaminated sites
- 3Documenting upstream and downstream receptors for contaminant migration pathway analysis
- 4Mapping wetland proximity for development setback compliance