2012 URISA Student Competition Results

The 2012 URISA Student Competition was organized by Paper and Poster categories. The recognized winners are detailed below. Congratulations to all participants!

---

Student Paper Awards

Evaluation Criteria:

• Demonstration of expertise and understanding of geographic information science, spatial technologies and their application.
• Explanation of how the paper contributes to a larger body of work in the field
• Demonstration of innovative approach and critical thinking
• Quality of writing and presentation of the material

---

First Place Paper

Implementing a Utility Geographic Information System for Water, Sewer, and Electric: Case Study of City of Calhoun, Georgia

• Submitted by: Davie Crawford and Ming-Chih Hung - Northwest Missouri State University

Abstract: This paper describes the design and implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Water, Sewer, and Electric Departments for the City of Calhoun, Georgia. The objective of this paper is to explain how the design and implementation of a GIS for the City of Calhoun was established in order to efficiently manage their utility distribution systems and replace the existing CAD system. It also provides other small municipalities with an understanding of what it takes to design and implement a utility GIS. The design and implementation were divided into a set of phases that were carried out to ensure a successful completed system. The methodology used in the development of the GIS has been acquired through reviewing and evaluating other similar systems that involve utility data. The utility departments have relied on inaccurate CAD data for years. The departments all agreed that a more accurate and up to date system would help manage their assets. The conclusion of this paper demonstrates the improved efficiency after implementing the GIS compared with the previous CAD system.

---

Second Place Paper

Study of the Public Transit System Accessibility Based on the Average Opportunity Accessibility Measure - A Case Study of Fargo, North Dakota

• Submitted by: Nimish Dharmadkhari and Zijian Zheng - North Dakota State University

Abstract: It is important for the college students to have a healthy diet for their wellness. The grocery store (supermarket) is the place where they can buy a range of healthy food products. This research studies the accessibility of the supermarkets with the public transport system with the help of case study of Fargo, North Dakota. Two types of accessibilities are studied in this research 1) accessibility to reach a particular place and 2) accessibility to reach the bus stop to ride the system. These two accessibilities are interdependent and cannot perform without each other. A step wise case study is performed with the development of the average accessibility measure for the transit routes. This research shows that the important supermarkets are accessible to the university students by combined use of walking and bus travel.

---

Third Place Paper

• Submitted by: Ron Mahabir - George Mason University

Abstract: Coral reefs are some one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on Earth. They are renowned hotspots of species biodiversity and provide home to a large array of marine plants and animals. Over the past 100 years in many tropical regions sea surface temperatures have increased by almost 1°C and are currently increasing at about 1–2°C per century. Corals have very specific thermal thresholds beyond which their temperature sensitive symbiot Zooxanthellae becomes affected and causes corals to bleach. Mass bleaching has already caused significant losses to live coral in many parts of the world. This paper looks at the key role that temperature plays in affecting the health and spatial distribution of coral in the Caribbean. The relationship between coral and symbiot is examined and some the evolutionary strategies necessary to ensure the future survival of coral with changing climate are reviewed.

---

Fourth Place Paper

---

Student Poster Awards

Evaluation Criteria:

• Must convey a clear theme.
• Process or “storyboard” posters are especially encouraged.
• Includes an appropriate title, descriptive legend, sources and dates.
• Do the components of the poster work in harmony?
• Is the cartography attractive and does it adhere to good cartographic principles?
• Does the poster demonstrate technical understanding of the subject matter?
• Does the poster adhere to the overall size requirements? (Note the maximum submission size of 36" x 48”)
• Can a layperson understand the problem at hand and possible solutions from viewing the poster without any further discussion or explanation?
• Does the poster share the technical understanding of the “problem”?
• Overall impression of the poster.

Winning Poster Submissions:

First Place - Trevor Perkes, Brigham Young University

• Swine Flu Data Analysis with Excel & ArcGIS Desktop 10.0

Second Place- Denise Crittenden, University of Alabama