The Hamlet, Locality and Townsite Point dataset is comprised of all the points that represent Hamlets, Localities and Townsites in Alberta. The formation of a Hamlet can occur if there are 5 or more buildings used as dwellings with a majority of which are on parcels of land smaller than 1850 square metres, has a generally accepted boundary and name and contains parcels of land that are used for non-residential purposes. A hamlet is an unincorporated community that can be designated by the council of Municipal District or Specialized Municipality within their boundaries, or by the Minister of Municipal Affairs within the boundaries of an Improvement District. Locality is an unincorporated place or an area with scattered population. Townsite is a federally administered village. The boundaries of rural classification of Locality and Townsite are often undefined. This dataset was previously known as Culture Point.

The Village dataset is comprised of all the polygons that represent Villages in Alberta. Village is a municipality type defined under the authority of the Municipal Government Act. The formation of a Village can occur when a majority of the buildings are on parcels of land smaller than 1850 square meters and there is a population of 300 or more.

The Town dataset is comprised of all the polygons that represent Towns in Alberta. Town is a municipality type defined under the authority of the Municipal Government Act. The formation of a Town can occur if a majority of buildings are on parcels of land smaller than 1850 square metres and there is a population of 1000 or more.

The City dataset is comprised of all the polygons that represent Cities in Alberta. City is a municipality type defined under the authority of the Municipal Government Act. The formation of a City can occur when a majority of the buildings are on parcels of land smaller than 1850 square meters and there is a population of 10 000 or more.

The Settlement dataset is comprised of all the polygons that represent Settlements in Alberta. A settlement is an area of land that was surveyed prior to the Third System of Survey and does not normally follow the ATS grid.

The Municipal District dataset is comprised of all the polygons that represent Municipal Districts in Alberta. Municipal District is a municipality type defined under the authority of the Municipal Government Act. The formation of a Municipal District occur when a majority of the buildings used as dwellings are on parcels of land with an area of at least 1850 square meters and there is a population of 1000 or more. A municipal district is a government form in rural areas of the province.

Hamlets are smaller settlement areas identified in municipal official plans, generally without municipal water and sewer servicing. For precise boundaries and locations of hamlets, the appropriate municipality should be consulted.

The LIST Town Boundaries data set holds spatial areas of towns proclaimed under the Crown Lands Act 1976. Proclaimed towns within a municipal area, where that municipal area has been proclaimed as a city, will still exist unless otherwise revoked. This dataset has been compiled from historic sources and has not been verified. It is not authoritative.