CSDI Awards 2025 - Category 4

Entry Requirements

Can participate as an individual or in a team (2-6 people)
Each participant can only join one team

Deliverable

Each participating unit will be required to submit a map-centric prototype that allows users to input data or interact with it, which then undergoes different processes to generate the desired output, addressing the user's needs or solving a problem.

This category is divided into two phases.

In Phase 1, participating units must submit a proposal based on a digital geospatial application, accompanied by a one-minute video introducing the proposal. In Phase 2 (Finals), participants need to demonstrate the project's feasibility and transform it into a prototype. Additionally, shortlisted participants must present their work to the judges on the presentation day.

Phase 1: Proposal Writing

Deliverable

Participants must design a digital geospatial application, propose innovative ideas to promote the development of the Northern Metropolis

and write a proposal with a one-minute video introduction.

Proposal Template

Download Template

Examples of Proposal

Requirements

The proposal should not exceed 10 pages (excluding appendices and references) and must be submitted in document format (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, PDF) in either Chinese or English, detailing the following:

Application theme
Solution for the theme (e.g., mobile app, web application, program, etc.) Target beneficiaries
Target beneficiaries
Primary spatial data used
Appropriate use of spatial data from CSDI portal
Method of applying spatial data
Main technologies or tools used (e.g., GIS, IoT, VR, etc.)
Expected benefits of the solution

Phase 1 Judging Criteria

All proposals will be screened according to the following criteria, and proposals that successfully pass the evaluation will advance to the second phase.

Criteria	Description
Content (30%)	Theme relevance and correlation Clear and complete description of problems to be solved Application of appropriate spatial analytical techniques Excellent logical thinking in analysing identified problems
Application of Spatial Data and Technology/Tools (30%)	Detailed explanation of distribution patterns observed on maps Application of spatial technologies (such as Geographic Information Systems, Building Information Modeling, 3D technology, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, or Internet of Things) and spatial data to address urban-related issues Use of spatial data as evidence in analysing identified challenges
Ideas and Creativity (30%)	Clear identification of social needs/unmet policy goals/areas for improvement Demonstration of novel and creative thinking Creative improvement suggestions Work originality or inspiration from other literature
Extra Points (10%)	Literature citation and research methodology Complete storyline and coherent argumentation Implementation feasibility, scalability, and long-term development

Phase Two: Project Development

Deliverable

Finalists must develop a map-centric prototype under mentor guidance, based on their proposal. The prototype must have spatial data processing and display capabilities, with a complete user interface. The system should output analytically valuable results while effectively demonstrating practical applications of spatial data. Finalists must submit presentation materials for judging purposes.

Examples of Deliverable

Requirements

Finalists must submit a fully functional prototype system demonstrating its operational interface and spatial data processing capabilities. The system must ensure stable operation and effectively demonstrate the proposed solution.

The project's functions, uses, applied spatial data, and technological tools (e.g., GIS, IoT, VR, etc.) must be consistent with the proposal
The presentation deck should not exceed 10 pages (including appendices but excluding references) and must be submitted in PowerPoint or other presentation format, introducing the following content in either Chinese or English:

- Project theme and functions
- Adopted spatial data and application methods
- Adopted technologies or tools (e.g., GIS, IoT, VR, etc.)
- Expected benefits of the solution

Phase 2 Judging Criteria

Criteria	Description
Development Process (20%)	Ability to implement proposal content Ability to transform innovative ideas into practical applications Integration of user requirements into functionality Work done for customising functions, purposes, and user requirements
Functionality (20%)	Ability to utilise spatial data from CSDI portal and other sources Analytical processing capability Ability to address key challenges/pain points identified in the proposal Innovation in technical application and proof-of-concept potential Demonstrating potential for proof-of-concept development, highlighting practical applicability and adaptability
Final Presentation (20%)	Detailed presentation of the project Creativity shown during presentation/demonstration Clear explanation of project development rationale Explaining benefits for target users Explaining project's development potential and sustainability
Market Potential/Public Acceptance (20%)	Benefits and impact Social market impact Benefits to users
Overall Performance (20%)	Complete storyline and coherent argumentation Implementation feasibility, scalability, and long-term development Reliability and stability of the prototype system User-friendly interface Completeness and capability in solution implementation

Final Presentation and Awards Ceremony

Finalists will be informed individually and must make a presentation on their deliverables to the judges on the Presentation Day. The final ranking of the Awards will be announced at the Awards Ceremony. Presentations can be conducted in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin.

Notice to Finalists

Finalists in this category will receive mentor support and guidance, as well as opportunities to showcase their projects to relevant industry professionals.