Chapter 1: Canada's Population Patterns

Survey system

A grid system used to locate and identify parcels of land and roads.

Community

A group of people who share common characteristics such as their history culture beliefs of simply the space where they live.

Concentrated population

A population focused in patches with specific resource industries, such as mines or paper mill

Linear population

A population settled along a line, such as a coastline, river, or highway.

Census metropolitan area (CMA)

An urban area in Canada with a population over 100 000. A CMA is centered around a city and generally extends beyond borders of the city.

Dispersed population

Population spread evenly across land: common in agriculture areas.

Discontinuous ecumene

The part of the country where there are significant patches of settlement.

Continuous ecumene

The part of the country where there is continuous, permanent settlement.