Website of the UK government

GeoVation awards: how to enter

Through the awards, GeoVation aims to inspire ordinary people to invent new ways of using geography for social, economic and environmental benefit. Anyone can enter, from now until 11.59 am on 4 January 2010: just follow the links provided.

Judges will be looking for ideas that are:

• innovative – inventive use of mapping technology will play a part
• have a long-term revenue plan
• use geography to benefit the community - the benefits can be environmental, social or economic
  

There’s also an ideas board on the award website, where you can test your idea and get feedback on it. GeoVation is supported by Ordnance Survey but entries can use any map.

Ideas have already come in for a light pollution map for astronomers and a mobility scooter route map. There's also a proposal for 'Musician & Gig Match', a database that will map venues needing live bands and musicians looking for gigs. This would make it easier for bands in the region to find gigs.

• The GeoVation Awards Programme Opens new window

How GAP entries are processed

From the entries made, judges will draw up a shortlist. Up to ten finalists will be invited to present their ideas at a showcase event to be held at the Royal Geographic Society in London on 26 January 2010. Here, they will answer questions from the audience and judges, and the winning entries will be chosen.

Four prizes will be awarded:

• first prize: £10,000
• two runner-up prizes: £5,000
• a community choice award (chosen by the audience): £1,000

If you win a prize, you will be expected to spend the money on developing your winning idea.

Further information

• GeoVation Opens new window

• Ordnance Survey Opens new window

• Ordnance Survey election maps Opens new window

More on Directgov

• England and Wales crime maps now available online (newsroom section)

• Buy Ordnance Survey maps – (do it online section)

• The Blue Badge map on mobile – (disabled people section)