The John Carroll Geodesy Award

The John Carroll Geodesy Award was established by the Canadian Institute of Surveying and Mapping (CISM) in 1989, in recognition Mr. John Carroll (1888-1977). As a Dominion Lands Surveyor with the Department of the Interior, Mr. Carroll played a pioneering role in early airborne photography and mapping operations in Canada, and contributed greatly to the advancement of the surveying and mapping profession, and the activities of CISM. The award is supported by funds allocated to the present-day Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG) from the estate of Mr. Carroll, as well as from the proceeds received through CIG Geodesy Committee publications, activities and seminars.

The purpose of the John Carroll Geodesy Award is to promote an interest in geodesy and the CIG both within educational institutes offering surveying programs, and among students. The terms of reference of the award are as follows:

1. The name of the award shall be "John Carroll Geodesy Award".


2. The award shall consist of an annual cash award of $500 offered by the Geodesy Committee of the Canadian Institute of Geomatics for the most outstanding student paper on the subject of Geodesy written in the preceding year (April 1-March 31).


3. Eligibility is restricted to undergraduate students in university programs leading to an accredited degree with surveying as a specialty, for instance those programs accredited by the Canadian Council of Land Surveyors or the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board. Although co-authored papers will be considered, all co-authors must meet the eligibility requirements.


4. The selection process enables up to 2 nominees to be submitted by each university as identified in (3). The winner will then be chosen by the selection committee from the pool of nominees.


5. The selection committee shall consist of the chairperson of the Geodesy Committee and any additional members of the committee or the CIG as may be appointed by the chairperson and approved by the Executive Council of the CIG. The deadline for receipt of nominated papers by the selection committee is April 15.


6. Papers submitted shall be 20 pages or less in length and will be rated based upon the following criteria:


1. originality
2. practical value/industry impact
3. conciseness and clarity of expression
4. general interest


7. The decision of the selection committee shall be final.


8. The presentation of the award shall be made annually at the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Institute of Geomatics. A runner up shall also be announced.


9. The success of the John Carroll Geodesy Award requires a commitment from universities offering degree programs in surveying to provide up to two nominees to the selection committee.