U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Scott Clabough, a geospatial engineer assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), briefs the combined obstacle overlay during the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: SETAF Africa) VIEW ORIGINAL
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VICENZA, Italy – Precision, speed and analytical expertise took center stage as geospatial engineers assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), competed in a locally planned best mapper competition.
The competition, held at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, challenged Soldiers to demonstrate their proficiency in geospatial analysis, cartography and terrain interpretation, all crucial for military planning and operational success. Designed to recognize the unit’s top geospatial professionals, the event emphasized innovative real-world applications while fostering a competitive spirit within the 517th GPC.
“As geospatial engineers, performing at our best means being comfortable with the pressure of quick turn-around deadlines, briefing high-ranking staff and providing tactical decision aids while under stress,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Jonathan Sanchez, a geospatial engineer sergeant and co-lead coordinator of the competition, 517th GPC, SETAF-AF. “Soldiers competing in the best mapper are tasked with doing all three in a single day, really honing their skills and abilities to contribute to future mission success.”
1 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Spc. Corey Herbert, left, and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Scott Clabough, geospatial engineers assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), brief their combined obstacle overlay during the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army illustration by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: SETAF Africa) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Scott Clabough, a geospatial engineer assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), participates in the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: SETAF Africa) VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Sgt. Riley Dibble, left, and U.S. Army Spc. Bryce Wilkins, geospatial engineers assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), create a geospatial combined obstacle overlay during the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: SETAF Africa) VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Sgt. Luis Vargas, a geospatial engineer assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, creates a geospatial combined obstacle overlay during the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: SETAF Africa) VIEW ORIGINAL
Competitors started their day in darkness, at 4 a.m, with a physical fitness test consisting of a two-mile run, deadlift, hand release push-ups, pull-ups and a sprint-drag-carry event.
“Including the physical activities was important in challenging the members physically and mentally throughout the day to be able to see how well they can perform different aspects,” said U.S. Army Spc. Bryce Wilkins, a geospatial engineer assigned to the 517th GPC, SETAF-AF, and competitor in the best mapper event
1 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Spc. Bryce Wilkins, a geospatial engineer assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), participates in a ruck march, the culminating event of the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Scott Clabough, left, and Spc. Corey Herbert, geospatial engineers assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), participate in a ruck march, the culminating event of the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Spc. Bryce Wilkins, left, and Spc. Peyton Couch, geospatial engineers assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), participate in a ruck march, the culminating event of the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Sgt. Riley Dibble, a geospatial engineer assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), participates in a ruck march, the culminating event of the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL
Moving from the early morning physical challenge, participants engaged in timed competitions where they created six warfighting function geospatial products and two briefs designed to test their communication skills.
Throughout the daylong event, competitors utilized the latest in innovation to hone their abilities, rapidly and accurately processing geospatial data. The tasks included map creation, terrain analysis and interpretation of satellite imagery.
“In all things, we are soldiers first, so performing at our best means being comfortable with the pressure of quick turn-around deadlines and operating in uncomfortable situations,” said Sanchez. “Physical events test the mental resilience and grit of the competitors as they must transition from physical to technical tasks multiple times throughout the competition.”
1 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Scott Clabough, left, and Spc. Corey Herbert, geospatial engineers assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), participate in a ruck march, the culminating event of the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), participate in ruck march, the culminating event of the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell, SETAF-AF, best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros) VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 3Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army Spc. Bryce Wilkins, left, and Spc. Peyton Couch, geospatial engineers assigned to the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell (517th GPC), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), participate in a ruck march, the culminating event of the 517th GPC’s best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros)U.S. Army geospatial engineers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) participate in ruck march, the culminating event of the 517th Geospatial Planning Cell, SETAF-AF, best mapper competition at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, March 25, 2025. Geospatial engineers extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance, then use that data to create maps to help commanders visualize the battlefield and its terrain. SETAF-AF and the 173rd Airborne Brigade use this information to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros) (Photo Credit: Maj. Joe Legros)VIEW ORIGINAL
“The competition was beneficial in working as a team and making products to support the warfighting functions, seeing what can be accomplished in a short timeframe and be presented to commanders,” said Wilkins.
As the 517th GPC continues to refine its capabilities, events like the best mapper competition ensure that its engineers remain at the forefront of geospatial innovation.
“I competed and won the first individual best mapper competition in Sept. of 2021, and competed in the first regional best mapper competition at Fort Leonard Wood last year,” concluded Sanchez. “We’re very proud of this year’s results. Competitions like this are an excellent opportunity to hone our skills as geospatial engineers and see how we stack up against the best in our field.”