Subseries 3 - Canada-USA Military Cooperation: Sub-Committee on Mapping and Charting

In 1946 a joint Canadian-United States Basic Security Plan was prepared by the Canada-U.S. Military Co-operation Committee. The plan demanded that arrangements be made for the provision of a programe of air photography and surveys designed to produce the necessary maps and charts, topographic and hydrographic and other information for Canada, Newfoundland and Alaska. The Sub-Committee on Air Photography, Mapping and Charting for Defence was, therefore established in June 1946. The terms of reference were to: determine the areas of Canada and Newfoundland and adjacent waters for which aeronautical and hydrographic charts and topographic maps were essential for defence purposes; to determine the types of maps and charts required for defence purposes; and to study the present Canadian program and formulate a new program which would fulfill all requirements. The Committee’s name was changed in March 1947 to the Sub-Committee on Air Photography, Hydrographic Survey, Mapping and Charting for Defence, and again in early 1950 to the Sub-Committee on Mapping and Charting. The terms of reference were revised whereby the Committee were: to provide a program for the production of essential maps, charts and allied materials to meet the requirements emerging from the Canada – United States Basic Security Plan; to insure cooperative effort based on mutual understanding of the common problem and agreed program; and to provide maps and charts required for planning purposes in advance of the actual formation of joint defence plans.