The future of our industry lies in the hands of our youth. That’s why xyHt is looking to recognize young people for being forward-thinking, geospatial leaders in their upcoming “40<40” (or 40 under 40) supplement.

The goal is to celebrate young leadership in geospatial professions, industries, and sciences from around the world. xyHt will be profiling the selected individuals, and running those profiles in their December 2015 issue. For this project, leaders are seen as so much more than just young people doing fantastic work in the geospatial sciences. xyHt is looking for people who are contributing to a better future for everyone and making a difference, maybe even in unconventional ways, in surveying, geodesy, education, construction, location sensors, spatial IT, and other disciplines.

The purpose of this initiative is to give the youth of today examples of what they can achieve in the geospatial fields, and role models who they can not only look up to, but also relate to. These role models will encourage a new generation to enter and innovate the geospatial professions.

Who qualifies as a young geospatial leader under 40?

Candidates can be anyone under the age of 40, from anywhere in the world. Here are just a few examples:

• Educators, mentors, or students
• Product developers
• Scientists
• Advocates for geospatial matters
• Active members of professional associations
• Entrepreneurs
• Anyone making a different and inspiring youth to enter the geospatial fields

Does this sound like someone you know?

xyHt is currently seeking nominations for “40<40”. Submit your nominations by October 1, 2015 to [email protected], including the name of the person you’re nominating and a couple of paragraphs explaining why you think they should be included in xyHt’s 40 geospatial leaders under 40. Be sure to add any website links or other information that might help the judges in their selection process.

For more information on “40<40”, visit the website.