The Town of Cobourg says its innovative Heritage Atlas has earned global recognition.
According to the municipality, the interactive project has been named a finalist in the infrastructure category of Esri’s 2025 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition, standing alongside entries from more than 55 countries.
Created by Asset Management Coordinator Aslan Ahmedov for Geographic Information Systems Day last year, the Atlas blends archival mapping, walking tours, historic photography and modern geographic data. Users can explore four primary heritage districts along with additional significant sites and streetscapes, while tracking how the built environment has evolved across more than 200 years.
The town says the project demonstrates how GIS technology can go beyond engineering and planning work, serving as a way to preserve history, support education and strengthen community identity.
Community members are now being encouraged to take part in the judging process. Public voting is open for the competition’s Community Choice Award until March 10.
The Heritage Atlas can be explored online through the town’s mapping platforms, where residents will also find other tools supporting infrastructure, parks, emergency planning and economic development initiatives.
Municipal officials say the recognition highlights the creativity and technical expertise behind the project, as well as Cobourg’s commitment to making local history accessible in new and engaging ways.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
