About Maps of the Digital Lands

Maps of the Digital Lands was born at PhreakNIC in 2018 and made its first appearance at DEFCON 27. We've grown each year, welcoming participants from all walks of life - from novices just getting their feet wet to industry experts from leading tech companies.

We believe in the power of visual representation and the creativity of the human mind. This challenge is all about thinking outside the box and developing a visual understanding of digital infrastructure.

Challenge Structure

The challenge is simple: walk up, pick a scenario, take a seat, and start drawing! Scenarios range in difficulty, and we have something suitable for everyone. Though we do track time, we are flexible with time limits.

We provide the paper and pens, but you're free to bring your own pens if you prefer.

Scoring and Prizes

Scoring is done based on a rubric, ensuring a fair evaluation for all entries. While the exact details of the rubric are a well-guarded secret, know that creativity, accuracy, and innovation always score high.

All participants receive a special sticker as a token of participation. We're working on an exciting grand prize for this year's winner!

Rules and Eligibility

This is an individual challenge open to all ages and skill levels. We ask that you create one entry per scenario. All entries must be hand-drawn on the paper we provide.