GISCI Awards Program Overview

Purpose and Objectives

The GISCI Awards Program recognizes excellence in the geospatial profession by celebrating individuals and organizations whose accomplishments reflect the highest standards of service, innovation, and leadership in advancing the goals of the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI). The primary objectives of this program are to:

  • Recognize notable achievements related to GISP® certification and GISCI’s mission.
  • Inspire professionals to contribute meaningfully to issues of access, privacy, geospatial ethics, policies, and practices.
  • Promote public awareness of GISCI’s impact and celebrate the accomplishments of award recipients.

Award Categories

GISCI offers the following award categories:

  1. GISP® of the Year (Primary Individual Award)
  2. GISP® Organization of the Year (Primary Organizational Award)
  3. Map Contest Winners (Existing process in place)

Note: Awards are merit-based and may not be granted annually. Only exceptional contributions should be recognized.

Program Oversight

The GISCI Board of Directors supports the program through an Awards Committee with recognition determined by an appointed Panel of Judges. The decisions of the committee and judging panel are final; all deliberations shall remain confidential.  More information can be found in the GISCI Awards Program Policy.

 

Award: GISP® of the Year

Description

This is GISCI’s highest individual honor, recognizing distinguished and sustained contributions to the geospatial profession and the public interest, particularly in areas such as access to information, individual privacy, and ethical GIS practices.

Criteria

  • Must be a GISP® with at least one recertification
  • Member of at least one professional geospatial organization (multiple memberships preferred)
  • Active contributor to a geospatial conference in the past year (e.g., speaker, planner, organizer)
  • Engaged professional presence on LinkedIn, including participation in the GISP LinkedIn Group
  • Recognized as a leader in the field, whether in industry, government, or academia
  • Demonstrated leadership or key contribution to a high-impact initiative within their organization or jurisdiction that effectively showcased the value of geospatial technology to a broad, non-GIS audience.
  • Additional credentials or certifications in related fields may strengthen the nomination

 

Award: GISP® Organization of the Year

Description

This award recognizes any organization that demonstrates exceptional support for GISP® certification and embodies GISCI’s values, including a commitment to ethical practices, professional development, and the public good.

Criteria

  • Actively promotes and supports the employment or professional development of GISPs
  • Maintains a salary structure or incentive program to reward GISP® certification
  • Demonstrates commitment to open data, privacy protection, and public participation in governance

GISCI Awards Program – Nomination Form

Instructions:
Please complete all sections of this form to nominate an individual or organization for a GISCI Award. Incomplete forms may not be considered. Nominations must be submitted by October 31.