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2020 U.S. DOE Geothermal Design Challenge – GIS Mapping – now open

2020 U.S. DOE Geothermal Design Challenge – GIS Mapping – now open Web banner - Geothermal Design Competition 2020 (source: Twitter/ INL)
Alexander Richter 7 Jan 2020

Registration has opened for the 2020 Geothermal Design Challenge (TM) GIS Mapping Student Competition, co-hosted by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), in conjunction with Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

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 (TM) 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 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!

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

Registration, further details and announcement via INL.gov