Click here to view the winners!

2020 GEOTHERMAL DESIGN CHALLENGE

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), in conjunction with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is hosting the 2020 Geothermal Design Challenge™: GIS Mapping Student Competition. The design challenge focuses on a non-technical barrier to geothermal development to foster understanding and share the benefits of geothermal energy technologies. Student teams of two or three will use geographic information system (GIS) mapping to create a compelling infographic/poster or interactive map to discover potential opportunities from this renewable energy source.

CHALLENGE QUESTION

“Geothermal energy is difficult to understand because it is located underground. How can geospatial mapping increase our understanding of this important renewable energy resource? How can GIS improve how we visualize and communicate about geothermal energy?”

Create a map (digital interactive or static) showing how GIS could portray or enhance the communication of geothermal technology.

Questions/Ideas for competition topic

• Educational approaches to GIS/EGS

• Economic impacts of using GIS in identifying geothermal power sources

• Recent innovation and challenges in the field of GIS-related geothermal topics

• EGS is expanding – what role does GIS play?

• Energy in the earth – how is geothermal energy investigated?

• What are challenges faced in locations that are not near optimal geothermal areas?

• Integrating geospatial technologies in geothermal research – what are the advantages?

• Using GIS to identify areas for EGS and geothermal power production

This is not a comprehensive list of topics, just something to consider when contemplating your mapping ideas!

REVIEW CRITERIA

Entries will be judged according to established merit review criteria:

• Cartographic design – creativity, text (including spelling and grammar), balance, unity, visual hierarchy, clarity, use of color (50%)

• Analytical Depth – logical, clear analysis, range of complexity (25%)

• Creativity and innovation – unique product, compelling to a broad audience, impact (25%)

TIMELINE

• Registration opens Jan. 6, 2020 (8 a.m. ET)

• Round 1 – Draft Submission Compliance Review: March 30 (Skild site temporarily closed at 10 p.m. ET) – April 3, 2020 (Skild site re-opens 5 p.m. ET)

• Participants must pass the Compliance Review to advance to Round 2

Compliance Review checklist:

• Subject matter

  • Geothermal energy and its depiction must be the primary theme of the map

  1. Data

     • Analyzed data must be cited

     • Must include at least one dataset sourced from the Geothermal Data Repository (www.gdr.org)

  2. Accuracy

     • Map must make sense

     • Technically accurate

     • Demonstrate the mapmaker’s knowledge of geothermal energy

  3. All team members registered and active on Skild

  4. Project suitable for all audiences

  5. Educational Sponsor information is included

• Participants advancing to Round 2 notified: April 6, 2020

• Round 2 – Final Submissions due: April 12, 2020 (10 p.m. ET)

• Winners announced: April 22, 2020

The Geothermal Design Challenge is powered by Skild.