BAD MAPS CONTEST RULES:

• All maps must be made with a GIS and able to be exported as a PDF. We will not accept other file types. 

• Maps must be  8.5 " x 11 "  for size. Portrait or landscape is fine.

• All Bad Maps are due Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 11:59pm PST. 

  • You do not have to attend the MAPATHON mentioned above to participate! The weekend gives you ample time to juggle any other life priorities. 

• The data cannot lie, but cartographers can mislead with their choices of how the data is represented. 

• Only submit original work by YOU, the cartographer. You can also work in a group. Make sure to give yourself map credit on the final PDF. 

• This contest is only open to current and registered students that attend PSU, PCC, or OSU. 

• Maps MUST have at least two of the following elements:

  • Title or explanatory text

  • Legend

  • Scale Bar

  • Orientation reference / North arrow

• All cartographic final works (the PDF) must be submitted by the due date above. 

• All submissions must use the Google Form which will be released on Friday November 13, 2026. The form will have the instructions there, but you just need your name, school email, school, and PDF to submit. 

• You can vote for more than 1 map but only 1 map per category. That will be a separate process to be announced later. 

• Only 1 PDF, and 1 Google Form submission (aka 1 per group or individual) should be submitted. If you make a mistake just email us at gisclub@pdx.edu.