DATA PLATFORM

Canada’s open access platform for sharing water data.

Computer monitoring displaying a map of DataStream's regional hubs located across Canada.

Visit our regional data hubs

274
Monitoring groups
51K
Monitoring sites
42M
Observations
HOW IT WORKS

DataStream is a place for sharing water and sediment quality data

Data standardization

Structured datasets are useful datasets

All monitoring results shared on DataStream are reported in a common format, based on the WQX standard for the Exchange of Water Quality Data. This makes data easier to interpret, integrate and use.

Screenshot of a water quality data spreadsheet.
Screenshot of DataStream's data visualization features for a dataset.
Data visualization

Explore results and see where monitoring is happening

Interactive data visualizations are easy to create and enable comparison between monitoring results and national water quality guidelines for aquatic ecosystem health.

Key Features

Accessible, scientifically robust, and digitally secure

Map-based search

Zero in on the data you’re looking for and discover data you didn’t know was out there.

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Data visualizations

Our one-click charting tool makes it easy to explore data, spot trends and compare results to national guidelines.

Standardized data

All data published on DataStream is ready to go, with clear licensing, and available in standardized, machine-readable formats.

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Dataset versioning

Datasets aren’t static and neither is DataStream. Our platform allows datasets to be updated while providing a clear mechanism for cataloguing versions of datasets as they evolve.

Digital Object Identifiers (DOI)

All datasets on DataStream have a DOI – a link that will never break. This allows for correct citation of data and the ability to track how datasets are used in other published works.

Embargo periods

Want to get data organized but not ready to publish? Embargo periods allow data to be uploaded to DataStream before going live.

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API access (Application Programming Interface)

Integrate DataStream data with your own websites, apps, scripts, or modelling tools with only a few lines of code.

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Integrations with other data systems

DataStream connects with other data systems to facilitate data import, improve dataset discoverability and advance data use.

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End-to-end data integrity

Modern cryptographic digests and blockchains are used to ensure data hasn't been tampered with from the contributor to end user.

Integrating with DataStream

DataStream is part of a broader data-sharing ecosystem. We connect with other data systems to facilitate data import, improve dataset discoverability and advance data use.


Data use

Putting data to use to protect freshwater

A growing number of communities, researchers and decision makers are using data on DataStream to uncover meaningful insights about freshwater health.

A map of Canada's overall watershed health from WWF-Canada's Watershed reports.

Guiding principles

The following principles guide how DataStream’s open data platform is delivered to ensure the greatest benefit and value to all users and contributors.

Open access

Data are made openly available on an equal basis, freely and in a timely way.

Accessibility

Design and deliver DataStream in ways that reduce barriers to participation, whether they be physical, geographic, cultural, linguistic, digital, financial or other.

Data Quality

Strive for completeness of datasets and adherence to widely adopted data standards that support data reuse.

Interoperability

Strive for technological and semantic interoperability with other initiatives.

Data Security

Safeguard the integrity and security of data against corruption and loss to ensure fitness for use over the short and long-term.

Sustainability

Support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of DataStream, and ensure long-term preservation of data stored within it.

Documentation & how-to

Visit DataStream’s Learning Centre to access up-to-date documentation, how-to resources and much more.

We're here to help

Have questions, requests, or need help with your data?