Mt.Shasta Map

Dear Cassandra,

We have completed the reviews of the applications for the National Geographic Award in Mapping, presented by the Cartography Specialty Group of the Association of American Geographers.  We had 23 applications this year, and grant only one award. 

I am very pleased to inform you that your entry was selected for the 2007 National Geographic Award in Mapping.  We had four independent reviewers (myself and three other cartography faculty in the CSG).  Comments about your map included:

"of the maps, the one that caught my eye first."
"beautiful – worthy of hanging on a wall of my home"

"very accomplished and technically proficient… nicely framed and balanced with the elements around the map supporting but not overcrowding the message."

"attractive up close and far away – usually it's one or the other, if at all."

I watched as a couple of the judges walked around the room where I'd hung all the entries and people seemed to gravitate to your map.

Your entry was part of the most eclectic and accomplished group of entries in the three years I have been a part of the review process.  For the first time, we invited entries from Europe and the United States, and our judging committee was in different locations.  This (and other factors) created a delay in the judging that, in future years, will be rectified with better planning and stricter regulations on the deadline.  I sincerely apologize for the length of time it has taken to return our decision to you.

Because of the delay in getting word to you, I know that it might be difficult to accept the invitation, but we would like to give you your award in person at the Cartography Specialty Group business meeting at the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers in San Francisco (hopefully the start of a long weekend from Arcata in the Bay Area for you?).  The meeting is Friday, April 20, 2007, at 7:30pm, at the San Francisco Hilton, in room Union Square 14.  You will be presented with the new National Geographic Collegiate Atlas of the World, and a check for $1200 to support your studies and to offset your travel expenses. 

Would you please let me know (reply to this email) as soon as possible if you intend to attend the meeting?   If you are unable to attend, we can send your check and prize to the address you have given us (or elsewhere, per your instructions).  If you are planning to attend, I want to be sure to have your awards for you at the meeting.

If you would be so kind, please forward an electronic version (.pdf or .jpg) of your map to me (I think you already did, but please send another copy) via e-mail as soon as possible.

Congratulations.  We are pleased and honored that you applied for this award.  If we do not see you in San Francisco, I wish you the best of luck in your career, which I hope will involve cartography in some way.