Local Students Compete in GIS StoryMap Contest

475 grade 7 and 8 students across ten schools and 20 classrooms in Bruce and Grey counties competed in a GIS Day contest, where three finalists were recognized for their outstanding work in highlighting real-world, local geography issues using the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platform. 
Bruce County and Grey County Logos

475 grade 7 and 8 students across ten schools and 20 classrooms in Bruce and Grey counties competed in a GIS Day contest, where three finalists were recognized for their outstanding work in highlighting real-world, local geography issues using the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platform. 

GIS Day is held annually on the third Wednesday in November and celebrates the power of GIS — a scientific framework for gathering, analyzing and visualizing geographic data to help us make better decisions. GIS is an essential tool used in decision making in both business and government and an important tool used for navigation in daily life. 

The GIS Day contest challenges students to create a presentation using an ArcGIS StoryMap, produced using ArcGIS Online, a cloud-based GIS platform. 120 StoryMaps were submitted by teams and individuals for judging by local GIS experts from Bruce County, Grey County, Bruce Power, the Municipality of Kincardine and the Town of Saugeen Shores. The committee also supported teams in the classroom through mentorship and guidance throughout the contest period.

“Bruce County is proud to support initiatives such as the GIS StoryMap contest,” says Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody. “As a former geography teacher, I am excited to see the way in which systems like this are being integrated into the learning environments at our local schools. Congratulations to this year’s winning students.”

“It’s always exciting to have the opportunity to engage students and see their innovative ideas come to life. Congratulations to all the participants,” says Grey County Warden Brian Milne.

First place, and winner of an ArcGIS software license and $50 Visa prepaid card donated by Esri Canada

  • Natural Disasters by Charlotte R., Alexis L. and Keatyn S. of Holy Family School, Hanover


Second Place, and winner of ArcGIS software license and Bluetooth speaker donated by Bruce Power

  • Healthy Chicks by Mia P. and Marika C. of Holy Family School, Hanover


Third Place, and winner of a Business to Bruce String Bag, Bruce County Notebook, Bruce County Pen and Yeti Rambler Mug donated by Bruce County


“Thank you to all teachers who continue to encourage GIS in classroom instruction, helping students build skills in mapping, data management and analysis. As a result of his tireless support in marking this contest a reality, Secondary School Teacher Cory Munro of Saugeen District Senior School ensured another successful year of the GIS StoryMap contest,” says Justin Kraemer, GIS Coordinator at Bruce County and chair of the Bruce-Grey GIS Day Organizing Committee.

Students were asked to present on either “The Distribution and Availability of Healthy Food Options in Your Community” or the “History of Natural disasters in a Region.” The list of finalists include:

  • Healthy Foods in Grey Bruce by Theron B. and Kurtis L.
  • A History of Natural Disasters by Shanika S. & Kalleigh C.
  • Healthy Chicks by Mia P. and Marika C.
  • Healthy Food by Bristol S. and Avery T.
  • Healthy food and its costs by Stanislaw K. and Jaxon T.
  • How do wildfires affect the land and people of Canada by Brook P.
  • Hurricane Hazel by Madison J., Madison B. and Olivia K.
  • Food Sources in Bruce County by Kevin X. and Evan B.
  • Natural Disasters by Charlotte R., Alexis L. and Keatyn S.
  • Natural Disasters by Addy F., Emily F. and Avery G.
  • Natural Disasters in Canada by Max R., Ronin S. and Noah R.
  • The Worst Natural Disasters in Canadian History by Maangly J., Max S. and Cohen B.


Learn more about the contest and view all contest entries.