Buffalization Data Visualization Challenge
“The Buffalization Data Visualization Challenge was my favorite event I participated in last year and winning it added great value to my resume.”
-Niranjan Cholendiran, Master of Science in Data Science
As part of International Love Data Week 2026, we're holding our annual Buffalization Data Visualization challenge! We’re inviting you to show off your data visualization and storytelling skills. Create a data visualization using a dataset of CU Boulder buildings using your preferred software or tools. (You can even hand make or draw a visualization!)
- Here's the dataset you should use: Data_Viz_Challenge_2026-UCB_Buildings.csv
- Deadline: Sunday, February 15th
- The dataset is a .csv file with information on 366 buildings on campus.
- Projects can submitted as an image or a link. Please submit your project using this form. If handmaking your visualization, take a photo for the submission form.
- A panel of judges will select individual and team winners for undergraduate students and for graduate students.
- Visualizations will be judged on creativity, clarity, data accuracy, visual appeal, and storytelling.
- Winners will be announced by the end of February and prize will be presented at an event in March.
- Winning entries will be featured on the CRDDS website, included in a data viz zine, and/or displayed in the University Libraries.
- CRDDS provides training workshops to help get you started.
- Check out the 2025 Buffalization Data Visualization Challenge Zine
- TBA
Q. I don't know anything about buildings, can I still enter?
A. Yes! Take a look at the dataset and you may surprise yourself with your outsider's view.
Q. Can a team create and enter one visualization?
A. Yes. If you do so, please ensure you include all team members' information with your submission.
Q. What type of data is in the dataset?
A. The dataset includes Building Name, Building Use, Square Footage, Zone, Year Built, Year Acquired, Latitude, and Longitude.
Q. That's a lot of data! Do I have to use all of it?
A. Definitely not! We included a variety of data so that you can choose what elements you want to focus on. You can create your visualization using only the square footage or only the latitude and longitude or any other element. It's up to you! We ask that you please use at least 10 different data points from the dataset. (e.g. 10 different buildings.)
Q. What unit are the numbers in?
A. Square feet.
Q. Some of your data is wrong!
A. Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Please email us at crdds@colorado.edu.
Q. Some of your data is blank!
A. That happens with datasets sometimes. If you have questions, please email us at crdds@colorado.edu.
Q. Can I include outside data in my visualization?
A. Please use only data from the dataset. Thanks!
Q. Can I use AI/ML to generate my visualization?
A. We would prefer if you didn't, but if you do, please be clear in your submission of exactly how you used it and include the prompts you used to guide the generation of your visualization.
Q. Do I need to be affiliated with CU Boulder to enter the contest?
A. No, but prizes will only be awarded to those who are affiliated with CU Boulder.
Q. Where can I find more building data?
A. The Office of Space Optimization has a Master Building List .
Q. What coordinate system is used in this dataset?
A. University of Colorado Boulder GIS Office uses the following coordinate system: NAD 1983 HARN StatePlane Colorado North FIPS 0501 (US Foot). Latitude and Longitude have been converted to Web Mercator.
Special thanks to the GIS / CAD & Document Management Office for providing us with the data used in this dataset!
University of Colorado Boulder Land Acknowledgment
The University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado’s flagship university, honors and recognizes the many contributions of Indigenous peoples in our state. CU Boulder acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and many other Native American nations. Their forced removal from these territories has caused devastating and lasting impacts. While the University of Colorado Boulder can never undo or rectify the devastation wrought on Indigenous peoples, we commit to improving and enhancing engagement with Indigenous peoples and issues locally and globally.
We will do this by:
- Recognizing and amplifying the voices of Indigenous CU Boulder students, staff and faculty and their work.
- Educating, conducting research, supporting student success and integrating Indigenous knowledge.
- Consulting, engaging and working collaboratively with tribal nations to enhance our ability to provide access and culturally sensitive support and to recruit, retain and graduate Native American students in a climate that is inclusive and respectful.