17/10/2026
Mapped to Perfection, Awarded First Place🇯🇲🥇
Congratulations to the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) on securing first place in the Spatial ArcGIS User Conference 2026 Virtual Map Gallery Competition! 👏🎉
Led by Luke Buchanan, Executive Director of MGI, the Institute submitted an impressive collection of six maps, with its “Hurricane Melissa Impact Level” map emerging as the competition’s winning entry.
Developed using Esri ArcGIS Desktop, the award-winning map illustrates the estimated impact of Hurricane Melissa across communities in Jamaica, examining the combined effects of high winds, storm surge, groundwater flooding and heavy rainfall.
By classifying communities according to major, moderate and minor impact levels, the map provides valuable insights into the hurricane’s effects across the island, demonstrating how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can support disaster risk assessment, emergency preparedness and data-driven decision-making.
This outstanding submission highlights the critical role of geospatial technology in understanding natural hazards, strengthening disaster resilience and helping communities better prepare for extreme weather events.
Congratulations once again to Luke Buchanan and the entire MGI team on this well-deserved achievement and their continued contribution to geospatial innovation in Jamaica! 🇯🇲👏
Thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural Spatial ArcGIS User Conference Virtual Map Gallery Competition and helped showcase the incredible talent and innovation within our geospatial community.
Explore the entire Spatial ArcGIS User Conference Virtual Map Gallery and discover the incredible work showcased by our talented participants from across the region by clinking on the link in our story or bio