Geological map of South America wins best map of 2023

The map of South America was created by researchers Fernando Alirio Alcárcel, Jorge Gómez, Nohora Emma Montes, and María Fernanda Almanza, using Google Earth.

The geological map serves as a comprehensive radiograph of South America's subsurface, showcasing various geological features such as rock types, geological structures, volcanoes, and water wells. It employs different colours and conventions to depict these elements, making it accessible and informative for both experts and the general public.

Jorge Gómez, an SGC researcher, explained that the map was part of a broader project under the Geological Map of the World Commission. The initiative, assigned to Colombian and Brazilian geologists in 2008, culminated in the map's public release in 2019 after 11 years of dedicated work.

The Journal of Maps evaluates contributions based on both their academic merit and cartographic quality. The award recognizes the map's exceptional balance of scientific accuracy and design excellence. “It was “brilliantly executed and quite an accomplishment to have a seamless map at this scale,” the award panel is quoted to have remarked.  

The Awards Panel selects the best map from a shortlist of submissions that demonstrate superior map design and content integration.