In celebration of Geography Awareness Week 2024 (November 18-22) and GIS Day (November 20), the Department of Geography and GeoDat: Society for Geo-Data Science are excited to announce the second annual GeoAI Prompt Contest! This contest aims to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to inspire deep thought and creative expression about critical geographical issues facing the humanity and the planet such as climate change, food security, social and economic inequality, and globalization. By leveraging the power of generative AI, we hope to not only illustrate these pressing issues but also foster an awareness of the challenges and opportunities that GeoAI presents to society.
GeoAI has seen rapid advancements over the past year, offering new ways to analyze and visualize spatial data to address complex geographical challenges. However, these advancements also bring new concerns, particularly regarding the environmental impacts of AI such as resource consumption and sustainability. This adds a new dimension to GeoAI, where we must balance technological innovation with its potential downsides, including ethical considerations, geospatial misinformation (or deepfake geography), and privacy violations. The contest seeks to provoke reflection on the implications of AI, including the biases inherent in AI models and the societal impacts they may cause. By raising awareness of these potential issues, we encourage participants to consider and critique how to responsibly use AI for social good while exploring their creativity with the technology.
Participant Eligibility
Open to all graduate students, undergraduate students or high school students from anywhere in the United States.
Key Dates
- Contest Starts: October 30
- Submission Deadline: November 14
- Winners Announced: November 20
Participation Procedure
Interested participants are advised to initiate their submissions by using one of the following generative AI platforms, including but not limited to: ChatGPT, DALL·E 3, Midjourney, Google Gemini or Bing Image Creator. Upon successful login, the objective is to design an image that effectively encapsulates one of the pressing challenges confronting humanity, society, or the Earth. Following the creation of the artwork, participants are directed to our designated submission portal for official entry. A panel of experts from the University of Washington will evaluate the submissions. The most compelling artworks will be accorded recognition and will be prominently displayed on the official UW Geography website for broader academic and public engagement.
Submission Requirements
- Artwork Format: Entries should be in JPG, PNG, or GIF formats. The minimum resolution for submissions should be 1024x1024 pixels.
- AI Tools: Create artworks using generative AI tools, such as DALL·E 3, MidJourney, and Bing Image Creator. If unfamiliar with these tools, it's advised to explore their official documentation and tutorials, ensuring adherence to their guidelines and best practices.
- Originality: Your artwork must be your original creation. Entries that are plagiarized will not be accepted.
- Submit your artwork in this Google Form.
Judging and Recognition
- Judging: A panel of experts from the University of Washington will evaluate the submissions and select the artworks that best represent the grand challenges.
- Awards: Winning artworks will be featured on the UW Department of Geography website, with prizes for the top three entries, and two special prizes for high schoolers.
- 1st Place: UW Apparel
- 2nd Place: UW Backpack
- 3rd Place: UW Water Bottle
Questions or Need Help?
For any queries or clarifications, please contact Professor Bo Zhao at zhaobo@uw.edu