A pseudo-natural map with texture, orthoimagery and shading effects (left) compared to a traditional vector map (right, OSM). Researcher: Jane Darbyshire, Carto Group.

In celebration of the International Cartographic Association’s (ICA) International Map Year 2015-2016, the Australian National Map Competition is looking to award paper and digital maps demonstrating the power of maps.

Entries are invited across a range of categories and will be evaluated by a panel of experts with a variety of prizes for the winning maps. There will be an exhibition of submissions at the 9^th International Symposium on Mobile Mapping Technology (MMT2015), in Sydney, 9-11 December 2015, as well as at the Locate 2016 Conference, in Melbourne 11-14 April 2016.

The various categories and awards are as follows:

Static Maps–Paper Maps (maximum size A0):

• Individual Award –Complimentary registration for Locate16 and up to $500 towards travel
• Organisational Award –To be announced (looking for sponsors!)
• Student Award (Primary, Secondary or Tertiary) –Selection of prizes such as Jacaranda Atlas for each level

Dynamic Maps– Web Maps, Interactive Digital Maps and Mobile Mapping Applications

• Individual Award – Complimentary registrations for MMT2015.
• Organisational Award – Complimentary registrations for MMT2015.
• Student Award (Primary, Secondary or Tertiary) – Selection of prizes such as Jacaranda Atlas for each level, complimentary registrations for MMT2015.

Other prizes are available for the runners up and honourable mentions.

Entries must be received before 19 October 2015, with winners announced on 19 November 2015. The entries will be evaluated and judged according to their layout and design, readability, overall impression and effectiveness at demonstrating the power of maps.

Information and guidance about cartography and map design are available from the websites of the various Commissions of the International Cartographic Association (ICA) www.icaci.org. Open source data and software to prepare maps is freely available online, from sources such as Quantum GIS at www.qgis.org, SAGA at www.saga-gis.org and data.gov at www.data.gov.au.

For more information Australian National Map Competition, visit the full details at SSSI or contact MapCompetition@sssi.org.au