Annual NJDEP GIS Mapping Contest Rules

The NJDEP GIS Mapping Contest is an opportunity to share one's work and expertise with colleagues in an enjoyable atmosphere. Any GIS user, from novice to expert, is apt to learn about an application or technique not considered in the past. Whether to get technical motivation, artistic inspiration, or just a better understanding of GIS, all DEP, state, federal, non-profit, student, and local GIS users are encouraged to attend and participate.

Eligibility –

· Maps entered must be non-commercial in nature.

· The contest is not open to private sector maps, but all are welcome to attend.

· The competition is open to local, state and federal employees, members of non-profit organizations, teachers, and students.

Permissible Map Entries –

· Each presenter is limited to entering a maximum of 2 maps in the Mapping Categories and 2 maps in the Interactive Web Categories in the contest.

· Student Map category entries are limited to 5 maps per school.

· Each map entered may not comprise more than two sheets, except for Map Series or Atlas category.

· You must provide us the image of the map.

· All interactive web map entries must provide publicly accessible working URL.

· Each presenter must provide us a brief description of their map.

Map Registration –

· Map registration must take place using the online form that will be posted at www.nj.gov/dep/gis . All maps must be registered by COB, March 26^th, 2021.

· Please submit a digital copy of the map for projecting during the map presentation portion of the contest.

· Digital copies of all registered maps or for web maps, a screenshot, and a URL, to be sent to NJDEP/BGIS gisnet@dep.nj.gov no later than two weeks prior to the contest (April 1^st, 2021 COB).

Selecting a Map Category –

The map creator must select a map category from the list below for his/her map when registering.

Map Categories

· Analytic Methods and Results

· Educational Map (Instructional Presentation)

· Map Series or Atlas

· Most Unique

· Reference Map

· Student Map

· Thematic Map

Interactive Web Map Categories

· Story Map

· Web Map Application

Presentation of Map Entries –

A link to the map gallery where maps can be viewed will be emailed to all registered people. The finalists in each category will present their maps to the audience during the presentation portion of the contest. In the interest of time, presenters will be permitted TWO MINUTES only to describe each map. When the two minute is declared over by the official timekeeper, the presenter must complete his/her description immediately to allow for the next map to be presented.

Voting Procedures for Map Entries –

A link to ballot will be emailed to all registered people. You are requested to submit no more than ONE ballot per person.

First Place –

A map will be considered a first-place finisher when it has received the most votes per category. In the event of a tie for first place, both maps with the highest vote total will be considered first place finishers, and both map presenters will be granted certificates, or awarded prizes simultaneously. If the above instance occurs, there will be no second-place award.

Second Place –

A map will be considered a second-place finisher when it has received the second highest number of votes in one category.

Certificates/General Awards –

First and second place maps in each category will be announced and will each receive a certificate. In the likely event that a certain map wins first or second place awards for more than one category, the map presenter will receive certificates and prizes for each category won.

Any questions about these rules should be sent to GISNet@dep.nj.gov.