BayGeo 2026
Open Map Challenge
A recurring open call for the GIS and mapping community to showcase their skills and creativity.
Work with a real-world, messy dataset and turn it into something worth looking at!
Jul 10 - Challenge Opens
Aug 14 - Submission Deadline
Sep 11 - Featured Maps winners announced
(at the BayGeo GeoEducation Summit @ SJSU)
Key Dates
Why participate in the Open Map Challenge?
Portfolio piece
Deliverable, shareable, showcase your skills
Community visibility
Select maps featured on the BayGeo website with full attribution
Professional development
Work with messy, real-world data the way GIS professionals do every day
Submission tracks and format
Choose the track that fits your experience. One submission per participant.
Emerging Mappers
Current or recent students
or
< 2 years of professional GIS experience
Open (Professional) Track
All experience levels welcome
Open format
Static maps or interactive web maps both accepted
Any GIS software or platform
The dataset and task
This inaugural edition of the BayGeo Open Map Challenge centers around mapping the BayGeo membership.
The dataset includes:
BayGeo membership - anonymized to zip code
Account type (individual, company, student, etc.)
Enrollment year
It needs cleaning. It needs interpretation. It needs to be mapped. That's the point!
Judging criteria
Data Handling & Principles
Were cleaning decisions thoughtful and documented? Were sources cited?
Cartographic Design & Creativity
Is the map clear, legible, and visually intentional?
Craft & Completeness
Is the work polished and complete?
Recognition
At least one featured mapper per track. Additional honorable mentions at BayGeo's discretion.
Featured on the BayGeo website with full cartographer credit
BayGeo Swag
One Year Individual Membership to BayGeo
Ready to map?
Submissions close August 14, 2026
Read the full participant brief — rules, format specs, and requirements
Questions? mapchallenge@baygeo.org