Geospatial planning cell holds best mapper competition in Italy

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VICENZA, Italy – Precision, speed and analytical expertise took center stage as geospatial engineers assigned to the 517th Engineer Detachment - Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), competed in a locally planned best mapper competition.

The competition, held at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, challenged Soldiers to demonstrate their proficiency in geospatial analysis, cartography and terrain interpretation, all crucial for military planning and operational success. Designed to recognize the unit’s top geospatial professionals, the event emphasized innovative real-world applications while fostering a competitive spirit within the 517th GPC.

“As geospatial engineers, performing at our best means being comfortable with the pressure of quick turn-around deadlines, briefing high-ranking staff and providing tactical decision aids while under stress,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Jonathan Sanchez, a geospatial engineer sergeant and co-lead coordinator of the competition, 517th GPC, SETAF-AF. “Soldiers competing in the best mapper are tasked with doing all three in a single day, really honing their skills and abilities to contribute to future mission success.”

Comprised of two-person teams, competitors started their day in darkness, at 4 a.m, with a physical fitness test consisting of a two-mile run, deadlift, hand release push-ups, pull-ups and a sprint-drag-carry event.

“Including the physical activities was important in challenging the members physically and mentally throughout the day to be able to see how well they can perform different aspects,” said U.S. Army Spc. Bryce Wilkins, a geospatial engineer assigned to the 517th GPC, SETAF-AF, and competitor in the best mapper event.

Moving from the early morning physical challenge, participants engaged in timed competitions where they created six warfighting function geospatial products and two briefs designed to test their communication skills.

Throughout the daylong event, competitors utilized the latest in innovation to hone their abilities, rapidly and accurately processing geospatial data. The tasks included map creation, terrain analysis and interpretation of satellite imagery.

“In all things, we are Soldiers first, so performing at our best means being comfortable with the pressure of quick turn-around deadlines and operating in uncomfortable situations,” said Sanchez. “Physical events test the mental resilience and grit of the competitors as they must transition from physical to technical tasks multiple times throughout the competition.”

Participants were evaluated on accuracy, speed and the ability to apply geospatial tools and software in a tactical environment. Judges from the 517th GPC and senior leaders assessed each competitor’s work, looking for precision in their maps, the effectiveness of their analysis and the clarity of final products.

Geospatial engineers have a variety of innovative tools at their disposal when creating products for commanders. This includes satellite imagery, sensory and terrain analysis software, drone imagery and sensing tools, three-dimensional software for visual depictions, as well as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) for in-depth terrain analysis.

173rd Airborne Brigade Soldiers also participated in the best mapper event, which was held the same week as the brigade's first ever Innovation Symposium. The symposium was part of Vicenza Military Community's Innovation Week, which showcased numerous emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, drone logistics, battlefield communications and data-sharing platforms — all designed to enhance adaptability to a rapidly evolving battlefield.

“This competition is a great tool for Soldiers in the 517th GPC and 173rd Airborne Brigade to hone their skills as geospatial engineers, while building teamwork and comradery with peers,” said Sanchez.

Competitors finished the day after 10 p.m. with a five-mile ruck march, reinforcing the importance of incorporating deployment-like scenarios into training events.

“The competition was beneficial in working as a team and making products to support the warfighting functions, seeing what can be accomplished in a short timeframe and be presented to commanders,” said Wilkins.

As the 517th GPC continues to refine its capabilities, events like the best mapper competition ensure that its engineers remain at the forefront of geospatial innovation.

Two members of the competition’s cadre followed up the locally held event to compete in the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment's Best Mapper Competition, March 28-31, in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. U.S. Army Sgts. Henry Tovar and Shaden Gregory, both geospatial engineers representing the 517th GPC, took third place overall at this year’s event.

“I competed and won the first individual best mapper competition in Sept. of 2021, and competed in the first regional best mapper competition at Fort Leonard Wood last year,” concluded Sanchez. “We’re very proud of this year’s results. Competitions like this are an excellent opportunity to hone our skills as geospatial engineers and see how we stack up against the best in our field.”

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