For the second consecutive year, Genesee County GIS Specialist Paige Chmielewski is earning statewide recognition for her work in geographic information systems (GIS).

Chmielewski, a member of Genesee County’s Geographic Information Systems Department, received the Best Cartographic Design Award at the 2026 annual conference of the Community of Michigan Professionals Advancing Spatial Sciences (CMPASS), held October 11–13 in Kalamazoo.

The award recognizes excellence in cartography, the art and science of creating maps that communicate geographic information in a clear, accurate and visually compelling way. Chmielewski’s recognition is especially noteworthy because it follows another achievement at last year’s conference, where she earned the People’s Choice Award.

GIS technology plays an important role in Genesee County government, helping departments collect, analyze, and visualize geographic data to support planning, infrastructure management, public services, and informed decision-making. Turning complex information into accessible maps helps County employees, community partners and residents better understand the places where they live and work.

In this case, the award was given for her work on a map for Elms Park in the City of Swartz Creek.