This award is presented by ASPRS through the ASPRS Foundation with funding provided by a grant from the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI).
Established in 1991 the purpose of the award is to encourage and commend those who publish papers of scientific merit in the advancement of knowledge about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the ASPRS journal PE&RS. The Award consists of:
- First prize: A certificate and $1,000.
- Second prize: A certificate and $600.
- Third prize: A certificate and $400.
Eligibility to receive the award is not restricted to ASPRS members; the award is made to the individual or collaborating individuals who in the opinion of the award selection committee best meets the established criteria. No application is required since the nominees are determined by the selection committee.
Factors to be considered by the committee in making its selection are the scientific contributions that the paper makes toward the advancement of knowledge about GIS. The award may be given for but not limited to any of the following types of achievement in the GIS disciplines:
- The development of a new and valuable technique method or application.
- A case of such a development where an exceptional degree of technical skill judgment or initiative is demonstrated.
- An outstanding design or invention of equipment or material or a new or unusual application of existing equipment or software is achieved.
The Award is normally made to individuals whose article was published in the ASPRS journal PE&RS during the calendar year preceding the year of the Award presentation. All articles are eligible for consideration including Highlight and Feature articles.