WAURISA AWARDS

The Washington State Chapter of URISA (WAURISA) strives to show accomplishments of professionals in the GIS community of Washington state along with working with students who are looking into a career in the GIS field.

The Summit Award

The Summit Award is given to the Washington State GIS Person of the Year. It is given to a person who has contributed to the GIS Community in Washington State. This award is given out annually at the WAURISA Conference held in spring.

Nominations are now being accepted for the GIS Person of the Year!
Nominations are being accept online on the Submit Award Nomination page.
The application deadline is March 22, 2013.

Criteria:

  1. The person should have 5+ years of experience working in a GIS/IT field in the State of Washington and have shown a long-term commitment to the field.
  2. The person should be known for their excellent work in the GIS/IT field. They should be known for successful projects that add value to the GIS/IT industry innovative solutions (with emphasis on local and statewide contributions).
  3. The person should have given considerable volunteer time for GIS/IT Conferences, Monthly User Group Meetings, Seasonal Workshops, etc. (with emphasis on local and statewide contributions).
  4. The person should have made efforts to share the wisdom of their GIS/IT experience to help other GIS/IT users through giving presentations, answering phone and email questions, etc. (with emphasis on local and statewide contributions).

Previous Winners

  • 2012 - Greg Babinski - King County
  • 2011 - Tom Nolan - City of Seattle
  • 2010 - Ian Von Essen - Spokane County
  • 2009 - Marty Balikov - ESRI
  • 2008 - Mike Onzay - City of Mercer Island
  • 2007 - Donna Wendt - City of Tacoma
  • 2006 - Nancy Hultquist - Central Washington University, Geography Dept.
  • 2005 - Geoff Almvig - Skagit County
  • 2004 - Linda Gerull - Pierce County
  • 2003 - Richard "Dick" Thomas - Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District


Richard 'Dick' Thomas Memorial Student Presentation Competition & Award

Please see the Guidelines and FAQs for more information on how to enter the Richard 'Dick' Thomas Memorial Student Competition.

Are you a student in a GIS, Geography or related program? Have you been working on a project for school related to GIS, geography, or geographic research in Washington State? Then here is your chance to share your work and compete for some outstanding prizes, including $1000 for 1st place.

WAURISA announces the 7th annual Richard 'Dick' Thomas Memorial Student Presentation Competition & Award at the 2013 Washington GIS Conference. This award was established in 2006 to honor Washington State GIS pioneer and mentor Richard 'Dick' Thomas. The intent of this award is to honor Dick by continuing his work of encouraging students to excel in their studies and transition successfully into careers in the field of GIS.WAURISA's objective is to inspire students to present their original work related to GIS, geography, or geographic research at the annual Washington GIS Conference in May.

Prizes

First Place

  • Dick Thomas Award Plaque
  • $1000
  • One year membership in WAURISA
  • Free registration to the 2014 Washington GISConference
  • Publication of paper in The Summit (Washington GIS Newsletter)
  • Plus, possible additional prizes
Second Place
  • Dick Thomas Second Place Award Certificate
  • $300
  • One year membership in WAURISA
  • Plus, possible additional prize
Third Place
  • Dick Thomas Third Place Award Certificate
  • $200
  • One year membership in WAURISA
  • Plus, possible additional prizes

This year we are continuing the cash award given to the advisor or professor of the first place winner. This year's prize is $250.

GISCI Points
Student presenters will earn 1 GISCI Contribution Point for Conference Presentation in addition to points earned for attending the 2013 Conference

Please see the Guidelines and FAQs for more information on how to enter the Richard 'Dick' Thomas Memorial Student Competition & Award.

Previous First Place Winners


Poster/Map Contest

Among many activites at the annual conference we also include a Poster/Map Contest. This is a great oppurtunity to showcase GIS maps that have been produced by the members. Past Categories include Current Events, Innovation in Analyses / Information Presentation, Specific Field or Application (e.g. transportation, public services, utilities, etc.),Cartographic Excellence and the popular People’s Choice