Cobourg Heritage Atlas Named Finalist in International GIS Competition

Cobourg, ON (February 11, 2026) – The Town of Cobourg is pleased to share that the Cobourg Heritage Atlas has been selected as a finalist in the Infrastructure category of Esri’s 2025 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition.

The Heritage Atlas was created last year by the Town of Cobourg’s Asset Management Coordinator, Aslan Ahmedov, in celebration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day.

The Cobourg Heritage Atlas is an interactive digital heritage project that uses archival maps, walking tours, historical photographs, and modern GIS layers to illustrate how the town’s built environment has evolved over more than two centuries. The project brings together four primary heritage districts, along with additional historically significant sites, streetscapes, and thematic content. It allows users to visually examine changes in buildings, land use, and civic spaces across different periods.

“GIS is often thought of as a technical tool, but this project shows its power as a storytelling platform,” said Aslan. “The Heritage Atlas uses mapping to preserve and share local history in a way that’s engaging and meaningful for the community.”

GIS is a computer technology that brings together all types of information based on geographic location for the purpose of query, analysis and generation of maps and reports. The project highlights how modern GIS technology can be used not only for planning and infrastructure, but also to preserve heritage, support education, and strengthen community connection.

About the ArcGIS Competition
Chosen from more than 450 submissions representing 55 countries, Cobourg’s Heritage Atlas stands alongside some of the most innovative and inspiring digital storytelling projects from around the world.

Community members can vote for the Heritage Atlas in the competition’s Community Choice Award, with public voting open until March 10, 2026.

• View all finalists and cast your vote (Community Choice Award): https://2025-arcgis-storymaps-competition-story.hub.arcgis.com/pages/arcgis-living-atlas-1
• Explore the Heritage Atlas StoryMap: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d8f16c46ad954b879086ff4f851a8a8f

The Town uses GIS in almost every department — for sewer, water, and road projects, urban and regional planning, parks and forestry, emergency planning, preparedness and dispatch, economic development and more. Town of Cobourg GIS maps and apps can be found at the Cobourg GIS Hub, learn more at Cobourg.ca/maps.