Calling all map makers! If you have a talent for creatively presenting geographic information, then HACC wants to see it. Central Pennsylvania's Community College is sponsoring the HACC Map Contest to promote awareness of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and its application in everyday life.

Judges will review submissions for content, creativity, cartographic design, as well as the technical difficulty of the GIS analyses presented. The top-ranked submissions for K-12, college students and professionals will earn awards in the categories of Best Cartography, Best Analysis and Best of Show. Map contest entries will be displayed during the GIS Day event at the Capitol in November.

"We want this to be a fun opportunity for local public and private agency representatives and GIS students to showcase their creative talents," said Nicole Ernst, instructor, geospatial technology. "I'm especially interested in using the contest to build interest in geospatial technology among K-12 students."

HACC opened its GIS Resource Center at Three Penn Center in Harrisburg earlier this year. It offers GIS training, cartographic mapping and a referral service to the business community. Students in the college's Geospatial Technology program work with the staff on client projects.

"Timely, accurate and useful geographic information, graphics and maps are key factors for decision-making for businesses, non-profit organizations and government entities," added Ernst. "The GIS Resource Center at HACC assists clients in understanding how GIS technology can be used to make better decisions."

The HACC Map Contest is open to anyone. All entries must include:

• an abstract with contact information (name, affiliation, address, email, phone, fax) and information describing the map's development, including hardware, software, plotter, data, methods used, purpose, problems encountered, etc.

• a hard copy of the map in a full-size plot in either landscape or portrait orientation (minimum size is 11 x 17 and maximum size is 34 x 44) and a digital copy in either PDF or TIFF format on a CD-ROM.

All entries must be submitted no later than October 31. When mailing an entry, send it to the GIS Resource Center, HACC, One HACC Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110. To drop off an entry, deliver to the GIS Resource Center, Three Penn Center, 349 Wiconisco Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Any questions regarding the map contest should be directed to Ernst at 717-221-1345 or send her an email at the address below.