Google has just thrown down the gauntlet with its latest tech competition: the Photorealistic 3D Maps Challenge. If you’re a web developer with a knack for JavaScript, this is your shot to dive into the futuristic world of 3D maps—and possibly take home part of the $26,000 prize pool.
The challenge invites developers from around the world (except in a few excluded regions) to flex their skills by creating immersive experiences using Google’s new Photorealistic 3D Maps feature in the Maps JavaScript API. Think real-world visuals blended with your coding genius, all in the comfort of your web browser.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this contest is built for you. It’s beginner-friendly and even offers a “low/no-code” option to make sure everyone can get in on the action. But don’t dawdle—there’s just 49 days left to submit your project before the November 20th deadline.
What Can You Win?
Well, aside from major bragging rights, you could walk away with a chunk of the $26,000 prize fund. The grand prize winner gets a whopping $7,000. But even if you don’t snag the top spot, there are still other cash prizes on the table, with three additional category-based awards of $5,000 each, plus four honorable mentions worth $1,000 apiece.
And if that isn’t enticing enough, how about a virtual coffee chat with a Google employee? You could even see your work featured on Google’s website.
What’s the Challenge About?
The competition is straightforward: use Google’s Photorealistic 3D Maps in creative ways to build experiences that blow users’ minds. There are a few categories to pick from, depending on your style:
- Location Discovery: Reinvent how people find cool spots and navigate tricky spaces. Think beyond your basic GPS and create something that could reveal hidden gems or help folks explore unfamiliar places in a brand-new way.
- Immersive Marketing: Put a fresh spin on advertising by integrating 3D visuals with marketing campaigns. Imagine making ads so engaging that users can’t help but explore the message.
- Built Environment & Sustainability: Tackle real-world issues like urban planning, environmental impact, or energy consumption by visualizing the built world in 3D.
Want to stand out? Gamification is encouraged! That means adding game-like elements to make the experience fun, interactive, and engaging.
Who’s Judging?
A stellar lineup of Google experts, including Jonathan Herbert and Mike Pegg, will be reviewing submissions. They’ll be looking for projects that solve real problems, work across different regions, and make users want to come back for more. Strong visuals, creativity, and how well you use Google’s tech will also play a big role in determining the winners.
How to Get Started
Ready to dive in? Just register, grab a free Photorealistic 3D Maps API account, and start brainstorming. Google has even set up a Discord community so you can connect with fellow developers, share ideas, and maybe even find inspiration.
The clock is ticking. If you’ve got a killer idea, don’t let it go to waste. This is your chance to push the boundaries of web development, score some cash, and put your name on the map—literally.
