We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Prize for Projects in Map History.

First Prize:

Catherine Porter (University of Limerick, Ireland) for “Locating Bench Marks, Preserving Heritage.”

Catherine Porter’s project aims to harness County Limerick’s community enthusiasm for heritage by locating and photographing Ordnance Survey bench marks across the county, as well as recording those which have disappeared. This will help us estimate the level of heritage loss across the island and open up discussions regarding their preservation and protection.

Honorary Mention:

Garrett Nelson, Ian Spangler, and Emily Bowe from the Leventhal Map and Education Center for “Processing Place: How Computers and Cartographers Redrew Our World.”

Taking a historical approach to the now familiar world of digital mapping, Processing Place explores how new computer technologies developed during the twentieth century drove profound changes in environmental management, law and policy, navigation, national defense, and much more. By comparing maps made with computers to those made before and without them, Processing Place invites us to rethink the relationships between maps, technology, and society.

Prize Description:

The ISHMap Prize in Map History, awarded every two years and presented at the ISHMap General Assembly, recognizes a project that explores the history of maps and mapping outside of the format of an academic paper, book, or edited collection in a way that increases accessibility and engagement with maps and map history through innovative presentations. The prize uplifts projects that seek to expand the subjects, audience, scope, and/or methodology of engaging with the history of maps and mapping. Projects can take many forms including, but in no way limited to, physical exhibitions, datasets, online exhibitions, multimedia projects such as podcasts and films, thematic maps, games, and digital products.

Prize winner will receive:

  • £200 (split between multiple winners if the project has multiple authors).
  • 2-year Membership for up to 3 people in ISHMap.
  • Presentation of the award at the ISHMap General Meeting.
  • A feature on the ISHMap webpage and on H-Maps.