Description: The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency MagQuest challenge seeks novel approaches to geomagnetic data collection for the World Magnetic Model (WMM). Earth is a giant magnet with differing geographic and magnetic pole alignment. The WMM corrects for this difference to ensure our compasses are properly oriented. However, because Earth’s magnetic field is constantly changing, the WMM must be regularly updated. These adjustments are based on measurements from the European Space Agency’s Swarm satellite mission. To ensure the sustainability of the WMM beyond these current capabilities, the United States government is taking a proactive approach to identifying new methods of data collection independent of Swarm.
Partner Organization: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Award(s): Phase 1 – $200,000 distributed evenly across up to 10 winners; Phase 2 – $1,000,000 distributed across up to five winners
Open Date: Phase 1 – March 21, 2019; Phase 2 – June 20, 2019; Phase 3 – March 10, 2020
Close Date: Phase 1 – May 16, 2019; Phase 2 – August 28, 2019; Phase 3 – July 15, 2020
Frequency: Once
For more information, visit https://www.magquest.com/