Tuesday, February 14, 2012
   
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Geography Maps Out the Future

An iPhone application that pinpoints locally produced, seasonal food; a public climate change web portal; and giant floor map the size of two badminton courts are among the ideas shortlisted in the GeoVation Awards Programme. GeoVation is an initiative supported by mapping agency Ordnance Survey which aims to help individuals, businesses and communities bring their map‑based ideas to life. The Awards Programme, launched in October, has attracted over 300 members and generated more than 220 ideas or ventures.

Next Tuesday, the brains behind the nine best will be up in front of the final judging panel with a chance to win part of a £21,000 development fund at a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style event at the Royal Geographical Society, London.

One of the shortlisted entries, Mapland, is seeking support for its huge 13x11m floor map of England and Wales to support the teaching of geography in schools. Another entry, entitled Misson:Explore London, aims to create a mobile phone application to engage young people in a series of playful and thought provoking missions. The creators see it as a way of challenging what they call an “increasingly risk averse culture.”

All the shortlisted entries will each be given the chance to convince the judges that their ideas deserves a slice of the prize fund, with £10,000 available for first place and two prizes of £5,000 for runners up. The audience on the day will also have the chance to vote for their favourite idea in a ‘Community Choice’ award, with £1,000 up for grabs.

Time: Tuesday 26 January

Location: Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, SW7 2AR

Time: 1130-1700
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