Enter your GIS Project Now
Share your one page summary of your GIS project and you could meet your fellow GeoGeeks at the in-person 2022 Esri UC . Hear from GIS innovators, world leaders, industry trend-setters and engaging activities. This in-person event is open only to people who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) read more
Enter your GIS Project Now
Share your one page summary of your GIS project and you could meet your fellow GeoGeeks at the in-person 2022 Esri UC . Hear from GIS innovators, world leaders, industry trend-setters and engaging activities. This in-person event is open only to people who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) read more
How to enter
Registered undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students 30 years and younger.
Students may enter any project as long as it includes the use of Esri technology.
This is your front-row seat to hear about the future of GIS!
Fill in the form below with your details to enter. Applications close on the 30th of March 2022.
For more information contact esri_ysa@esri-southafrica.com
Judging
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and/or innovation
- Real-world relevancy
- Application of Esri technology
The winning student will receive a full conference registration for the 2022 Esri User Conference taking place from 11 – 15 July 2022.
Past Experiences
A Young Scholar’s International Esri User Conference Experience
Keneilwe Hlahane, an MSc student at the Department of Oceanography at the University of Cape Town, won the Esri Young Scholar Award 2017 for her research project titled “Monitoring Eutrophication in the Vaal Dam, using GIS techniques”.
As the winning scholar, Keneilwe presented her research at the Esri International User Conference in San Diego, California, during July 2017. Her project was displayed in the Esri Map Gallery, where a special exhibition is organised for leading students from around the world who have shown excellence in research associated with using ArcGIS technology.
My ultimate GIS experiences from the Esri International UC
The Plenary message
Attending the world’s largest GIS User Conference was very exciting. This year’s attendance was around 16,000 delegates from 130 countries.
Esri founder and President Jack Dangermond, delivered a special message for 2017 under the theme “Applying the Science of Where”. The message explained that the purpose of this GIS conference is to share, learn and grow together as GIS professionals. He concluded his talk with a quote from Leonardo da Vinci saying “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Being willing is not enough, we must do”, and do we must, for a better future.
The Esri Young Scholars Network
Meeting the other Esri Young Scholars from 21 countries was a highlight for me, as well as connecting with many other GIS professionals in the Esri Young Professionals Network. It was an opportunity to meet GIS thought leaders and innovators, and to build my career network. It was really inspiring, and it provided me with the motivation to continue developing a career in GIS.
GIS Education
The live demo sessions had me bouncing in my seat with excitement. As an ArcGIS user, I attended the sessions about the ArcGIS online improvements. There were exciting sessions on Esri Drone2Map which have been very nicely integrated with ArcGIS Pro.
Conservation GIS
The session on learning about applying “The Science of Where” within Biodiversity studies was very informative. Dr Geoffrey West delivered a thought provoking keynote address about the growth cycles of biological organisms and their links to the development of urban areas.
Closing Function San Diego’s museum Balboa Park
A closing party was held at Balboa Park. We got a chance to see beautiful historical museums, enjoy great food from different cultures, and danced away to the live band performance. The closing party was inclusive of everyone who loves GIS.
FAQ
Q: What is included in the award the student receives?
A: The student will receive free registration to the Education UC and International UC, hotel and per diem for their stay in San Diego, acrylic award, group photo with Jack Dangermond, and an ArcGIS Personal Use license.
Q: Can students who applied last year but were unsuccessful apply again?
A: Yes. Previous winners may also apply a second time.
Q: What special events will there be for the Young Scholar winners?
A: Young Scholars will have the opportunity to display their work in the Esri map gallery.
Q: Are there any specific criteria?
A: Yes. The student needs to have used Esri technology to complete a thesis/research project or conduct interesting research.
Q: Can more than one winner be selected?
A: No. Esri’s programme will accommodate only one student.
Q: Who can enter?
A: Any Student registered at an accredited University located within the distribution region area of Esri South Africa. Countries included are South Africa, eSwatini, Lesotho and Mauritius.
Q: How does the student receive their Personal Use License?
A: Esri South Africa will provide the licence via an email to winners chosen email address
Q: If the student already graduated within the last year, are they eligible?
A: Yes, if the scholar graduated in the 2022 calendar year then they are still eligible
Q: What special events will there be for the Young Scholar winners?
A: Young Scholars will have a social event to meet and network, gather at the Special Display next to all of the posters, and attend Special Achievement in GIS Award Ceremony to receive the acrylic award and a group photo with Jack.
Q: We want to ensure that the winner gets the most out of the conference as possible, are you able to suggest other activities for the winner to take part in?
A: We will provide an agenda to include the Young Scholars for activities and the student should work with Esri South Africa for suggested seminars.
Q: What are some examples of projects that should be submitted?
A: A map, an outstanding research paper, software development, or application of ArcGIS in a special setting such as promoting education, conservation, disaster response, urban planning, business, engineering, social science, etc. Students would be required to summarise their work in the form of a poster with maps that express or visualise their project effort.
Q: Will the student be responsible for printing and bringing their own work for display?
A: No, Esri Creative Lab will print their work. For quality printing we need high resolution .pdf or .png file in the range of 300 dpi.
Previous Winners
Applications are now closed.