Maps Make Sense 2017 – Winners Announced!

Our 2017 Maps Make Sense competition closed on April 28th and since then our judges have been deliberating over the entries to decide which deserving winner would be off to San Diego to the Esri User Conference in July, along with 15,000 other GIS users.

We are thrilled to announce the winner of Maps Make Sense 2017 is:

Stephen McLoughlin with his Story Map ‘Spatiotemporal Analysis of Road Collision Severity in Dublin’

Using ArcGIS Pro, animations, video, static and interactive charts and graphs - this Story Map showcases how interactive web mapping applications can help to prioritise areas for road infrastructure provision and also improve awareness of road safety in Dublin.

Here’s what the judges had to say about the winning entry….

“This entry is a fantastic example of how GIS and spatial analysis can be combined with map based visualisation. It also makes very effective use of the Story Map Cascade template which is an ideal way to walk the user through what is quite a complex story. In addition, the inclusion of interactive charts as well as interactive maps, builds on the paradigm of using GIS as a System of Insight.”  -
Eamonn Doyle, CTO Esri Ireland and Maps Make Sense judge.

Only one entrant can walk away with the grand prize worth €5,000. It includes return flights to San Diego, 6 night’s accommodation in the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marin and free admission to the Esri International User Conference! 

However this year we wanted to reward other map makers who impressed the judges with their entries, and have also awarded two runner up prizes.
The runners up will join 2,500 other GIS enthusiasts at Esri UK Conference in London, on May 16^th. 

Congratulations to Ordnance Survey Ireland and Wetland Surveys Ireland on picking up a well-deserved runner up prize.

‘The Creation of OSi Historic Mapping’ was described by the judges as a ‘feast for the eyes’, walking you through mapping at OSi from 1824 until the current day.

“For those of us who love maps, and who doesn’t! This entry is a feast for the eyes whilst at the same time being informative, on the rich and exciting history of the OSi. This entry uses the Story Map Cascade template to great effect with carefully judged base maps, transitions and details.”

Eamonn Doyle, Esri Ireland.

Bohernabreena Reservoir and Glenasmole Valley - A wildlife and wilderness amenity close to Dublin City for you to explore.  This Story Map is littered with striking images and useful local information about the area presented through the medium of a Cascade Story Map.

“A picture tells a thousand words and this entry makes very effective use of beautiful photographs to entice the user into exploring a little-known area. The photographs lead the user to the interactive map and allow them to put spatial context on the photographic material as well, of course, as being a practical tool to help when they visit the area.” Eamonn Doyle, Esri Ireland

Explore each of the maps using the links above and join us in congratulating our three winners!

Watch out for posts on our LinkedIn and Twitter pages in the coming weeks, where we will profile the other entrants to this year’s competition.