GISCI hosts an annual map competition inviting members of the GIS community to submit and share a map of their creation.

Showcase your cartographic creativity! GISCI invites you to submit and share a map of your creation in our annual map competition. The subject matter, style, and choice of platform/tools is entirely up to you. If all your work is in a StoryMap or Interactive map app format, consider turning your work into a cartographic map or poster that tells your story or process. (It must include a map, of course).   Check out our previous winners for inspiration.

The subject matter, style, and choice of platform/tools are entirely up to you. Showcase your cartographic creativity!

Who can enter?  We welcome everyone from the GIS community to participate from students to seasoned professionals. 

Map Specifications and Rules:  GISCI Judges reserve the right to disqualify any entries that do not adhere to these rules.

  • Submission Deadline: April 15, 2026
  • Anyone can enter, with the exception of those on the judging team (Judges are not eligible)
  • Maps must be the original creation of the submitter. Use of AI or Large Learning Models to assist with data analysis is permitted, but the map itself must not be an AI-generated product. 
  • All entries must include a list of data sources and a brief description of the methodology used to create the map
  • Map must be no smaller than 11” x 17” and no larger than 34” x 44” (E Size). The recommended size is 22” x 34” (D size)
  • Maps must be submitted in print ready PDF format
  • Uploaded file size cannot exceed 16MB
  • Only one entry per person. You can only submit in one category. 
  • By entering the contest, you agree to allow the use of your map/image for display by GISCI on the website, at the Esri User Conference, and for promotional purposes. Winners will be required to provide a signed release to use their map image.
  • There will be one winner in each category (4 total winners). Maps and winner’s names will be published on the GISCI website
  • You may use any software to create your map with the exception of online map portals such as Google Map or Bing Maps due to copyright and permission restrictions.

​Prizes:  There will be a total of 4 winners - one per category (see below)

  • Each award winner will have fees waived related to their GISP certification!
    • First-time GISP applicants: your portfolio review fee will be waived when submitted (a $200 value)
    • Current GISPs: your renewal fees will be waived at your next recertification date (a $285 value)
  • Winning maps will be displayed at the 2026 Annual Esri User Conference (provided Esri software was used)
  • Winners and their maps will be recognized and displayed on the GISCI website and social media
  • Winners will receive a digital certificate acknowledging their winning entry

Categories: There are two main categories with two categories each. Select the one category that best fits your level and style of map. Judges have the right to move an entry into another category if they deem it a better fit in the other category. Contestants will be contacted if this applies to their entry.

  • Career Professional (4+ years of GIS experience)
    • Traditional Map - thematic, topographic, reference, etc.
    • Creative Map - creative, artistic, infographic style
  • Student or Emerging Professional (current/recent grad or less than 4 years of experience in GIS)
    • Traditional Map - thematic, topographic, reference, etc.
    • Creative Map - creative, artistic, infographic style

Judging Criteria: Each entry will be judged on the following criteria using a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being best.

  • Content
    • Accuracy (grammar, punctuation, spelling) – Is there appropriate use of grammar and spelling?
    • Effective communication – Is the map’s message clear? Does the content support the map’s intended purpose?
    • Effective use of geographic information – Appropriate use and portrayal of spatial data. If relevant, does the author include sufficient geographic features or other essential elements for orientation?
    • Sources – Is the work informative with reliable sources? Are sources appropriately credited/cited?
  • Presentation
    • Legibility (font, font size, figures, tables, graphics) – Are fonts, text size, and labels configured in a way that is legible? 
    • Design/Layout – Do the graphical elements follow a logical arrangement? If submitting in the “Traditional Map” category your map should include standard cartographic elements: title, legend, scale, north arrow, and major data sources listed.
    • Visual appeal (color coordination, geometry, accents, highlights, use of symbology) – Is there an effective use of symbology, geometry, labels, and color?
  • Originality
    • Is the work innovative, either in its subject matter or its application of visual graphics? Is the presentation unique?

Weights - This criteria are weighted differently depending on the category your map was submitted to:

  • Traditional maps: Content: 45%; Presentation: 45%; Originality: 10%
  • Creative maps: Content: 35%; Presentation: 35%; Originality: 30%

 

Ready to Enter? Use the 2026 GISCI Map Contest Submission Form

Check out previous competition winners!

2020 GISCI Map Competition Winner: Louis Hill - "Change is the Only Constant"