Awards
The Manitoba GIS User Group (MGUG) is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams within the geomatics community and exceptional students using GIS to transform our world. Our awards program includes the
GIS Service Recognition Award, Outstanding Team or Project Award, and 2 Educational Awards (Bimal Adhikari Award, Janos Boda Award). These awards honor those who have demonstrated exceptional skills, innovation, dedication and commitment to advancing GIS and geospatial knowledge within Manitoba and the users of geospatial information.
These awards not only highlight individual achievements but also emphasize the collaborative efforts that drive our field forward.
From service recognition to transformative projects and exceptional student initiatives, we take pride in shining a spotlight on the stories of those who go above and beyond to create positive change through our awards:
- GIS Service Recognition Award (formerly Lifetime Achievement Award)
- Celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the geomatics community.
- Recognizes long-term dedication and leadership in GIS practices.
- Acknowledges innovative solutions that enhance geospatial technology.
- Outstanding Project or Team Award
- Honors collaborative efforts that lead to impactful GIS applications.
- Highlights projects that have made a measurable difference in communities or industries driving technological advancement.
- Recognizes excellence in project execution and management within the geospatial domain.
- Education Awards
- Bimal Adhikari Award in Applied GIS- demonstrates technical and/or applied use of GIS for a specific problem or task
- Janos Boda Award in Research GIS- demonstrate use of GIS within a larger research project.
2024 Award Nominations
Award History
GIS Service Recognition Awards
The MGUG GIS Service Recognition Award (formerly Lifetime Achievement Award)- Given to an outstanding individual in Manitoba who has made significant contributions to the geomatics community and is awarded at the Annual Fall Conference.
•Demonstrated exceptional service / leadership over a significant period of time.
•Displayed a wisdom, depth of service, and passion that has made a significant difference to individuals or groups.
•Exemplified the core values of Integrity and Respect through their interaction with colleagues and the community.
•Promoted excellence within the geomatics industry.
•An outstanding active individual contributing to improving the work and users of the GIS community.
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients:
The MGUG GIS Service Recognition Award (formerly Lifetime Achievement Award)- Given to an outstanding individual in Manitoba who has made significant contributions to the geomatics community and is awarded at the Annual Fall Conference.
•Demonstrated exceptional service / leadership over a significant period of time.
•Displayed a wisdom, depth of service, and passion that has made a significant difference to individuals or groups.
•Exemplified the core values of Integrity and Respect through their interaction with colleagues and the community.
•Promoted excellence within the geomatics industry.
•An outstanding active individual contributing to improving the work and users of the GIS community.
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients:
2023 – Antonio Viveiros
2022 – John Teillet
2021 – Greg Carlson
2020 – Brian McGeagor
2019 – Lindsay Donnelly
2018 – Bob Bruce
Outstanding GIS Project or GIS Team Award
Given to an outstanding GIS Project completed in Manitoba or by a resident of Manitoba, or to an outstanding active GIS Team contributing to improving the GIS Community. This award is given at the Annual General Meeting.
Outstanding Project or Team Award Recipients:
Given to an outstanding GIS Project completed in Manitoba or by a resident of Manitoba, or to an outstanding active GIS Team contributing to improving the GIS Community. This award is given at the Annual General Meeting.
Outstanding Project or Team Award Recipients:
2023 – Volatus Aerospace & University of Winnipeg – Detecting Spectral Signatures of DED Infected Trees.
‣ Matthew Johnson- Volatus
‣ Jovanny Sanchez, Jenelle Ehn, Dr. Richard Westwood- U of W
2022, 21, 20 – No Submissions
2019 – Manitoba Hydro – GIS Based Data Collection & Management of Hydro’s Pole Maintenance Program
2018 – ‣ First Place Conservation Officers Reporting Application
Jack Harrigan and Colin Merritt, Conservation Officers Service
Tanya Dixon, Derrick Ko Heinrichs, Jocelynn Johnson, GeoManitoba
‣ Second Place AgriMaps: Current Weather Conditions
Hailey Wright, Manitoba Agriculture
Education Awards
Our education awards recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skills, innovation, and dedication in advancing geospatial knowledge. From groundbreaking research to transformative applications, we celebrate those who are shaping the future of geospatial technology through their commitment to excellence in education.
Educational Award Recipients:
Our education awards recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skills, innovation, and dedication in advancing geospatial knowledge. From groundbreaking research to transformative applications, we celebrate those who are shaping the future of geospatial technology through their commitment to excellence in education.
Educational Award Recipients:
Bimal Adhikari Award – Demonstrates technical and/or applied use of GIS for a specific problem or task
2022- Parinaz Shariat Zadeh, U of M Moving forward: sustainable transportation strategy
2021- Jami Cameron, U of W Snow depth detection using MSS UAV images
2020 -No award due to COVID-19
2019- Jocelynn Johnson, BCIT Using Survey 123 and GIS technologies to track and protect Cetacean species in British Columbia
2018- Anton Metalnikov, U of M Downtown Winnipeg Mapping and Documentation
2017- Japandeep Sethi, U of M Patterns of Burn Injuries in Winnipeg Manitoba: A Population Health Study
2016- Trevor Johnston, RRC The Effect of Growing Degree Days on Walleye in Manitoba: A Look at Current and Predicted Effect
Janos Boda Award – Demonstrate use of GIS within a larger research project
2022- Sean Johnson-Bice U of M A cosmic view of ‘tundra gardens’: satellite imagery provides a landscape-scale perspective of Arctic fox ecosystem engineering
2021- Ajarat Adegun, U of M Higher COVID-19 Rates in Manitoba’s First Nations Compared to Non-First Nations Linked To Limited Infrastructure on Reserves
2020- No award due to COVID-19
2019- Veronica Wojtuszewska, U of M On the Importance of Language: Reclaiming Indigenous Place Names at Wasagamack First Nation, Manitoba, Canada
2018- Jeffrey Plett, U of Calgary Analysis of Land Classification Methods to Identify Wetlands in Riding Mountain National Park Using an Automated Workflow
2017- Marshall Birch ,RRC Chimney Swift Nesting & Roosting Site Selection: Factors Within Manitoba Populations
2016- Paige Kowal, U of M A historical analysis of changes in emergent plant cover in Netley-Libau Marsh: untangling the effects of Lake Winnipeg hydrology and Red River connectivity