. The event brought professionals in the field together in Kalamazoo from October 11 through October 13.){kind=link}
Genesee County, Michigan – A map of a local park might seem like a small project, but for one Genesee County employee, it has become the latest example of award-winning work recognized across Michigan. What began as a way to present geographic information about a familiar community space has earned attention well beyond the county.
And this is not her first time in the spotlight. For the second year in a row, Genesee County GIS Specialist Paige Chmielewski has received statewide recognition for her mapping skills, adding another achievement to her growing record in geographic information systems.
Chmielewski received the Best Cartographic Design Award during the 2026 annual conference of the Community of Michigan Professionals Advancing Spatial Sciences (CMPASS). The event brought professionals in the field together in Kalamazoo from October 11 through October 13.
Her winning project centered on Elms Park in the City of Swartz Creek, a local recreational space in Genesee County. The recognition highlights her ability to take geographic information and present it in a way that is both visually appealing and easy to understand.
The award focuses on cartography, a field that combines technical accuracy with thoughtful visual design. Creating an effective map involves more than identifying locations. Information must be organized carefully so that people can understand what they are looking at without struggling through complicated details.
That balance between appearance and usefulness is central to the award Chmielewski received.
Her latest accomplishment follows another successful appearance at the statewide conference in 2025. During that event, she earned the People’s Choice Award, making this year’s recognition her second consecutive achievement at the annual gathering.
Chmielewski works with the Genesee County Geographic Information Systems Department, which provides geographic data and mapping services that support various government operations.
Although many residents may be unfamiliar with the term GIS, the technology has practical applications throughout county government.
Geographic information systems allow officials to collect, examine, organize and display data connected to specific locations. That information can help government departments better understand infrastructure, evaluate community needs, plan projects and make decisions involving public resources.
For example, geographic data can support infrastructure management and public service planning by making location-based information easier to interpret. Instead of relying entirely on written descriptions or large collections of data, officials can use maps to recognize geographic patterns and understand how different locations relate to one another.
The benefits also extend beyond government offices. Clear maps can help community organizations, local partners and residents better understand the areas where they live, work and spend time.
Chmielewski’s Elms Park project demonstrates how this type of work can connect technical expertise with everyday community spaces.
Her back-to-back awards also bring attention to the specialized work taking place within Genesee County government, where mapping and data analysis contribute to services that residents depend on.
With recognition in both 2025 and 2026, Chmielewski has now earned two different awards at the annual statewide conference, reflecting the value of combining accurate geographic information with effective design.