Event Overview

The Mapathon is a collaborative map-making competition focused on the creation of thematic maps using real-world geospatial data. Organised by the University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, the event invites Indian national students to participate in the hands-on mapping initiative. The objective is to develop innovative methods that improve map accuracy, relevance, and usability for communities. Participants will work with open geospatial datasets using free and open-source tools such as QGIS.

The competition will also encourage the practical application of maps across key thematic areas while building participants ability to customise geospatial outputs for societal impact. Maps will be created using observation data, remote sensing inputs, and crowdsourced datasets, highlighting their potential in sectors such as agriculture, climate studies, disaster management, rural and urban planning, and national resource mapping. Through this initiative, the Mapathon seeks to empower Indian youth with skills that support informed decision-making and future development pathways.

Objectives

• Enhance accuracy, usability, and adoption of thematic maps

• Promote data-driven decision-making using geospatial technologies

• Build capacity in GIS, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Analytics

• Encourage innovation using open-source mapping tools like QGIS

• Enable participants to apply geospatial insights to real-world societal problems

• Contribute towards national geospatial capacity building

Prizes

Total Prize Pool: 3.5 Lakh

• Winners and shortlisted teams will receive certificates and recognition during CU InnovFest
Who Can Participate?

• Students, research scholars, and faculty from Science and Engineering disciplines

• Graduates from relevant or allied domains

• Professionals working in the geospatial or GIS industry

Mode of Event

• Phase 1: Online

• Phase 2 & Phase 3: Offline

Schedule & Timeline

Key Benefits & Opportunities

• Gain hands-on experience with real-world geospatial datasets, strengthening practical GIS and mapping skills

• Develop industry-relevant expertise in GIS, Remote Sensing, Spatial Analytics, and Thematic Mapping

• Apply geospatial technologies to solve real societal challenges in areas like agriculture, climate change, disaster management, urban planning, and public infrastructure

• Showcase your work on a national-level platform, enhancing academic visibility and strengthening research and professional profiles

• Receive expert mentorship and evaluation from academicians, GIS professionals, and industry specialists

• Networking opportunities with researchers and industry professionals from GIS, geospatial analytics, and spatial planning sectors nationwide
  Themes

  Civil Engineering & Earth Sciences

  • Hydrology

  • Groundwater

  • Geology

  • Mining GIS case study

  • Soil GIS case study

  • Glacier

  • Land Use/Land Cover of Indian Districts

  • Municipal GIS case study

  • Transport

  • Real Estate GIS case study

  Computer Science & Electronics

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

  • Digital Image Processing

  • Application of computer vision algorithms in Remote sensing and GIS

  • Telecommunication GIS case study

  • Transmission GIS case study

  Agriculture

  • Crop/plantation-type map

  • Stubble burning

  • Drone

  Architecture

  • Urban planning and design

  • Cultural heritage assessment
    
    Problem Statements

    • Mapping of Natural Resources and Man-Made Features

    • Forests, Rivers, Minerals, Infrastructure, and Urban Utilities

    • Natural Resource Change Detection

    • Spatio-temporal analysis of Forests, Water, Land, and Urban Growth

    • Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) Change Analysis

    • Identification of LULC change hotspots using Bhuvan LULC datasets

    • Flood Hazard and Flood Inundation Mapping

    • Riverine, urban, and flash flood susceptibility and risk maps

    • State-wise Health Care Indicator Mapping

    • Spatial analysis of Hospitals, Doctors, Beds, and Accessibility

    • Agricultural and Cultivation Mapping

    • Crop Patterns, Irrigation Coverage, and Seasonal Variability

    • Road Network, Road Quality, and Drainage Mapping

    • Transportation Accessibility and Urban Drainage Efficiency

    • Land Degradation and Soil Erosion Mapping

    • Identification of Degraded Lands and Vulnerable Regions

    • Health Infrastructure, Population and Vaccination Mapping

    • Age-wise Population, Vaccination Coverage, and Service Gaps

    • Change Detection in Waterbodies, Reservoirs, and Wetlands

    • Monitoring shrinkage, expansion, and seasonal variability

    • Amenities Mapping

    • Schools, Hospitals, Parks, Public Services, and Utilities

    • Water Source and Water Quality Mapping

    • Surface/Groundwater Sources and Contamination Risk Zones

    • Population Crowding and Traffic Hotspot Mapping

    • Urban Congestion, Crowd Density, and Mobility Analysis

    • Telecommunication and Network Coverage Mapping

    • Identification of connectivity gaps and service availability

    • Local Markets, Produce, and Employment Mapping

    • Spatial distribution of economic activity and livelihoods

    • Waste Segregation and Collection Point Mapping

    • Solid Waste Management and Sanitation Planning

    • Mapping Places of Cultural and Heritage Importance

    • Temples, Monuments, Heritage Sites, and Tourism Mapping

    • Innovative Geospatial Solutions aligned with Indian Societal, Environmental, Urban, or Disaster-Related challenges