Mapmaking Contest

THE VOTES ARE IN!

View All 2024 Contest Submissions

Congratulations to our 2024 winners:

First Place

Lupine Reef

Meara P. of Brunswick
Brunswick Jr. High – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.133.png

Second Place

Map of the Nonterra Islands

Mattimeo R. of Standish
Homeschool – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.102.jpg

Third Place

Fantasy Island

Lothian M. of Gorham
Narragansett Elementary – 4th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.241.jpeg

Judge’s Best in Grade Prizes

(1st, 2nd, 3rd Place overall winners not eligible)

Judges Choice for 4th Grade – Wins $100

Vagaslow

Grace H. of Falmouth
Falmouth Elementary – 4th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.300.jpeg

Judges Choice for 5th Grade – Wins $100

Falcon Island

Maggie M. of Brunswick
Harriet Beecher Stowe School – 5th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.171.jpeg

Judges Choice for 6th Grade – Wins $100

Journey to Jaws Cave

Alena B. of Greene
Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.108.jpg

Other Top Twelve Maps

Europe 1944 – World War 2

Aleksander W. of Falmouth
Falmouth Elementary – 5th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.118.jpg

Train of Thoughts

Julia H. of South Berwick
Marshwood Great Works School – 4th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.126.jpg

Story Isle

Scotia B. of Montville
Homeschool – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.143.png

Sock Land

Rowan C. of Gorham
Narragansett Elementary – 4th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.183.jpeg

The Floating Islands of Farinedel

Kellen M. of Yarmouth
Yarmouth Elementary – 5th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.227.png

Antarctica

Cooper W. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.258.jpeg

2024 Honorable Mentions

Switzerland
Honorable Mention for Judges’ Favorite Country Map

Zoey D. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.288.jpeg

Rare Birds of Maine
Honorable Mention for Judge’s Favorite Maine Map

Laura C. of Falmouth
Falmouth Elementary – 5th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.201.jpeg

100 Acre Wood
Honorable Mention for Judges’ Favorite Literary Map

Natalie S. of Brunswick
Brunswick Jr. High – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.159.jpeg

Dream Land
Honorable Mention for Excellent Watercoloring

Alexis S. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.254.jpeg

World Map in Flags
Honorable Mention for Most Detailed Map

Elli W. of Cumberland
Waynflete Academy – 5th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.299.jpeg

Ecosystem Map
Honorable Mention for Best Reference Map

Maya B. of Portland
Waynflete Academy – 4th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.117.jpg

Lost Land
Honorable Mention for Excellent Digital Art

Elijah H. of Gray
Fiddlehead School of Arts & Sciences – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.125.jpg

The Mixed-Up States of America
Honorable Mention for Unique Concept

Iris P. of Brunswick
Brunswick Jr. High – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.309.jpeg

Shark Island
Honorable Mention for Excellent Color Penciling

Reece C. of Brunswick
Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary – 5th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.327.jpeg

Fantasyopolis
Honorable Mention for Unique Coloring Technique

Corinne C. of Brunswick
Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary – 5th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.326.jpg

Cretacia
Honorable Mention for Best Variety of Animals

Carter B. of Gorham
Narragansett Elementary – 4th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.231.jpeg

Fruit Island
Honorable Mention for Most Delicious Rivers

Harper C. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.263.jpeg

The Isole
Honorable Mention for Excellent Ocean Details

Kevin C. of Brunswick
Brunswick Jr. High – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.310.jpeg

Reader’s Edge Islands
Honorable Mention for Commitment to Theme

Ava H. of Brunswick
Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary – 5th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.193.jpeg

Butterfly Island
Honorable Mention for Marker Technique

Riley H. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.281.jpeg

Lunar Island
Honorable Mention for Excellent Lettering

Annabelle F. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.252.jpeg

Orabella Island
Honorable Mention for Most Mysterious Tunnel

Zoe K. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.289.jpeg

Pacific Beach Map
Honorable Mention for Judges’ Favorite Sunset Scene

Lucy M. of Cape Neddick
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.272.jpeg

Celestia
Honorable Mention for Excellent Shading Technique

Elliana M. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.261.jpeg

Fairytale Hollow
Honorable Mention for Excellent Color Scheme

Arielle N. of Yarmouth
Yarmouth Elementary – 5th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.204.jpeg

Lobsterland
Honorable Mention for Judges’ Favorite Border

Whitney P. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.287.jpeg

Pactopia
Honorable Mention for Tastiest Homes

Violet R. of Brunswick
Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary – 5th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.190.jpeg

City 7
Honorable Mention for Excellent Contour Lines

Link R. of Standish
Homeschool – 4th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.103.jpg

Paint Island and the Invisible Treasure
Honorable Mention for Judges’ Favorite Hidden Details (UV ink)

Amelia S. of South Berwick
Marshwood Great Works School – 4th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.234.jpeg

Diamond Island
Honorable Mention for Judges Favorite Compass Rose

Ollie W. of Brunswick
Brunswick Jr. High – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.162.jpeg

Ancient Island of Eyjon
Honorable Mention for Excellent Landform Designs

Owyn A. of Kittery
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.277.jpeg

Cheese Island
Honorable Mention for the Island with the Most Saturated Fat

Linnea C. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.271.jpeg

Sunflower Island
Honorable Mention for Most Floral Island

Alivia C. of Limington
Hollis Elementary – 4th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.149.jpeg

Tayland
Honorable Mention for Thorough Discography

Harper C. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.264.jpeg

Catfiti
Honorable Mention for Judges Favorite Cat Island

Chloe D. of York
York Middle School – 6th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.256.jpeg

Isle of Sweets
Honorable Mention for Sweetest Island

Jaxon F. of West Gardiner
Homeschool – 4th Grade.
See larger at https://oshermaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/24.336.jpeg

Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education Mapmaking Contest!

Inviting all Maine 4th, 5th, 6th Graders…

…to enter our Illustrated Mapmaking Contest for the chance to win a $1,000 first prize ($500 for you, $500 for your class)! Prizes will also be awarded for second and third places, as well as “Best in Grade.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ENTRY RELEASE FORM

Important Dates:

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 – maps submitted by mail should be postmarked by this date.
Thursday, April 25, 2024 – digital submissions must be emailed by this date (if dropping off in person, do so by 4:00pm of this date).
Saturday, May 11, 2024 – 12 finalists announced, online voting begins at 12:00pm.
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – online voting ends, and winner is revealed the next day!

*For Teachers: you may schedule a free mapmaking workshop during school hours for your students by form or by email.

Important Things to Know:

Your map must be flat (2-dimensional) and no larger than 11×17 inches. Beware: A lot of construction paper is 18×12 inches, which is too large for our scanner.
Your map may be created on or with a computer as long as the work is all yours.
If you submit by mail, please make a photocopy if you would like to keep one, because the maps will not be mailed back. You may also submit a copy and keep the original, but your photocopy must be high-quality. If the quality of the photocopy isn’t good, it may hurt your chances of getting chosen for the Top Twelve.
If you choose to submit a scan of your map by form (oshermaps.org/mapmaker-form) or by email (renee.keul@maine.edu), the scan must be high-quality and appropriately cropped. Please double check that scans have the entire map included before emailing. Scans are preferred over photographs. Photographs have uneven lighting and if the lens axis is not exactly perpendicular to the map, the map will be distorted, so please use an actual scanner if you want to submit by email. If you do not have a scanner at home, you can scan your map at Staples or FedEx for a small cost ($0.49). File extension .jpg is preferred. Please avoid .pdf as some programs try to auto-recognize text, which can distort handwritten labels.
Your map should be original, creative, and unassisted.
Your map may depict any real or imaginary place, but should be illustrated (in other words, use pictures).
Your completed Entry Release Form should be taped to the back side of the map.
If you are home-schooled, include the name of the public library that you use the most on your entry release form.
Still have questions? Email K-12 Outreach Coordinator, Renee Keul, at renee.keul@maine.edu.

How to Submit Your Map:

Option 1 (preferred): Mail your map and Entry Release Form to:
     Osher Map Library & Smith Center for Cartographic Education
     (Attn: Mapmaking Contest)
     P.O. Box 9301
     Portland, Maine 04104

Option 2: upload a high quality scan and submission information at oshermaps.org/mapmaker-form or email the scan of the map along with the contest release form to: renee.keul@maine.edu. Please note that the scan must be high-quality and appropriately cropped. Please double-check your scan before emailing. JPG is preferred. Scans are preferred over photographs, as photographs have uneven lighting and if the lens axis is not exactly perpendicular to the map, the map will be distorted.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Does my map have to be of a real place?
A. No, it can be a map of a real place or someplace or something completely imaginary! If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas, check out our Map Idea Generator.

Q. Can I work with another student to make my map?
A. Sorry, no. All the work needs to be your own!

Q. How are maps judged?
A. Every year, we bring together an independent panel of educators, artists, and cartographers to help OML staff with the judging of our annual mapmaking contest. All submissions are reviewed by the panel, and after extensive discussion, the panel selects 12 finalists to go on to the online community voting round. Maps are judged blindly; judges do not see names or schools. This year, because we have maps being sent in by 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders, we have a new prize category: “Best in Grade.” The three “Best in Grade” maps will be selected by the judging panel. It is possible that a map selected as “Best in Grade” will not be among the Top Twelve Finalists.

Q. Which will be more likely to win: maps made on computers or hand-drawn maps?
A. Remember that the final winner will be chosen by online voting. However, the 12 finalists will be chosen by committee based on originality (creativity and uniqueness) and aesthetics (how nice they look). Maps made on the computer can be more mathematically precise, but that will not matter for this contest. Use whatever method allows you to create the most unique map you can!

Q. Can I use any art material to make my map, so long as it is flat?
A. You can use any standard art medium, but if you use something that might by messy, such as chalk pastels, you need to spray it with fixative. We will be scanning the finalist maps for online voting, and we can’t risk damaging our scanner!

Q. Can I put printed images on a hand-drawn map?
A. You can create images on the computer, print them off, and paste them on your map if you would like. However, if you’re using images you get online, a lot of that is protected by copyright laws, and we could theoretically get in trouble for displaying it on our website. For that reason, all of the illustrations should be your own.

Q. When you say that my map can be created on a computer, are you talking about a certain program?
A. There are multiple programs that can be used to design maps, but we were specifically thinking of software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program). GIMP is free online (www.gimp.org), but it can be pretty tricky to use at first. If you want to try it, you will probably need to spend a few hours with the tutorials (www.gimp.org/tutorials). Pixlr.com is also a good program with great tutorials, and it requires no downloads.

Q. Can an illustrated map use words?
A. Yes! In fact, most illustrated maps DO use words.

See Entries from 2024See Entries from 2023See Entries from 2022See Entries from 2021See Entries from 2020See Entries from 2019See Entries from 2018See Entries from 2017See Entries from 2016

Questions? Email K-12 Outreach Coordinator, Renee Keul, at renee.keul@maine.edu.

Need Colored Pencils or Watercolors?