CRMA
ACRA
Nonprofit organization specializing in digital preservation, collection management systems, and mapping military history.
About Us
The Canadian Research and Mapping Association (CRMA) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing knowledge, collaboration, and accessibility in military history through innovative digital platforms. Our projects include Project ’44, which explores the Second World War, Project Athena, which documents the War in Afghanistan, Project Recuperation, which chronicles the 1998 ice storm relief, and a student led digital project on the No.2 Construction Battalion.Mission Statement: Our mission is to build engaging, web based history that foster an objective understanding of conflicts worldwide, while empowering a global community of researchers, educators, and enthusiasts.
OUR PROJECTS
Project ’44 is our cornerstone interactive web map of the Second World War, showcasing daily positions, battles, and campaigns. It incorporates digitized war diaries and primary-source data to provide an accurate and accessible view of the conflict.
Project Athena documents the War in Afghanistan, combining interactive maps with personal accounts and imagery. It allows Veterans and their families to contribute, preserving a source-based narrative of Canada’s longest conflict.
Project Recuperation
Project Recuperation chronicles the Canadian Armed Forces’ response to the 1998 ice storm, the largest domestic deployment in Canadian history. Using maps, timelines, and official documentation, it showcases the scale and impact of military assistance during a major national emergency.
No. 2 Construction Battalion
This project highlights Canada’s first and only Black military unit from the First World War, collecting war diaries and personal stories to honour their contributions. It provides an inclusive perspective on our military heritage, ensuring their legacy is preserved.
A documentary-style short film that explores the events of D-Day, merging historical footage with expert interviews. It offers a concise yet immersive look at the scale, complexity, and personal stories behind the pivotal Normandy landings.
This online resource provides an in-depth, day-by-day view of the 1942 Dieppe Raid, featuring unit positions, battlefield imagery, and official reports. Users can explore troop movements and key engagements in a highly visual, navigable format.
WWII Diary Digitization Project
Launched in 2019 through a collaboration between Library and Archives Canada and the Canadian Research and Mapping Association, this project mapped over 15,000 pages of Canadian Army war diaries from the Second World War. It also scanned more than 400 maps, all free to access online, preserving critical historical records for researchers, students, and the public.
VEDay75: Normandy to Netherlands
VEDay75 highlights the stories of three iconic Canadians who fought in the Netherlands, along with six others who advanced through key cities on Canada’s “Road to Liberation” in the Second World War. Commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE-Day in partnership with Defining Moments Canada, it offers free story maps and resources to help Canadians explore a defining moment in our history.
Our Expertise
Historical Research and Analysis
We specialize in uncovering, verifying, and interpreting archival records, war diaries, and primary sources. Our work ensures a fact-based foundation for all digital and educational resources.
Geospatial Mapping and Visualization
We integrate GIS technology and cartographic techniques to create user-friendly digital maps, layering historical data with modern tools for deeper insight into key events and movements.
Digital Curation and Interactive Storytelling
We bring history to life by blending narrative content and dynamic web interfaces, delivering immersive, accessible online experiences that highlight pivotal moments and personal stories.
Collaborative Community Engagement
We nurture a network of historians, educators, veterans, and volunteers to crowdsource data, share expertise, and advance knowledge of Canada’s military heritage and global conflicts.
Board of Directors
Executive Director and Board member
Nathan is the Executive Director and a Board Member of the Canadian Research and Mapping Association, as well as a co-founder of Project ’44 and Project Athena. A veteran of the Canadian Forces who served in Afghanistan and Latvia, he merges history and geography through dynamic, interactive web maps.
Board Member
Mark is the President of Gasparotto Group, a boutique consultancy that provides clients with customized, pragmatic, and evidence-based leadership solutions. Mark combines his 10+ years of entrepreneurial experience, 20+ years of uniformed service as a combat engineer officer, and a masters of leadership to deliver impactful and practical leadership insights for over 1000 clients.
Board Member
Geoff serves as Director of Business Development at Capstone Infrastructure, focusing on Capstone’s 5GW North American growth strategy, including M&A, new technologies, and strategic partnerships. He has led renewable infrastructure initiatives and holds experience in battery, flywheel, and compressed air energy storage.
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Supporters
Testimonials
Don Cooper
President
"The Juno Beach Centre Association is excited to partner with the Canadian Research and Mapping Association on VEDay75 - Normandy to Netherlands," "This project, with its focus on telling stories and connecting today's youth with yesterday's heroes, forms an integral part of the JBCA's V-E Day educational offerings. This is an excellent opportunity for youth across the country to engage with the magnificent Project'44 web map curated by the CRMA, and builds upon our successful 'Juno75' collaboration with Defining Moments Canada in 2019." https://www.junobeach.org/
Janet Walker
President & CEO
"We were honoured to recognize your project through this year's shortlist and to share your innovative work with others across Canada. The judges were impressed by the quality of your submission and the great work that has been accomplished through your project. Project'44 is doing extensive work to make accessible an important part of Canada's military history. Through your website and map, you are sharing archival research and findings with audiences across the country in a way that is engaging and interactive" https://www.canadashistory.ca/home
Norman Charbonneau
Deputy Librarian and Archivist
"Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to support the Canadian Research and Mapping Association's (CRMA) work in commemorating the Second World War.
CRMA's work to develop in-depth web maps covering the Victory campaign of 1944 and 1945 will assist in honouring the courage and sacrifices of members of the First Canadian Army." https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca
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