The Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce is currently working toward getting the county on the map, specifically the National Geographic Geotourism Mapguide.

     Quinn Jordan is leading a subcommittee of the chamber’s Creative Economy Committee, which is working on logging local historic, cultural and natural landmarks of the area, such as historic downtown. Jordan said they are currently receiving applications until noon Friday.

     “We’re open to any submissions that are unique that represent the culture and history of Lincoln County,” he said.

     The locations that meet the criteria will be used in an online map that will be available through the National Geographic Society. The project spans the four U.S. Gulf States: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.

     The program will allow those looking to travel an opportunity to see what is available. The Chamber of Commerce is hoping it will give a boost to the area’s tourism economy.

     Kay Burton, marketing director of the chamber, said she believes Brookhaven has a unique niche, and they want to people to know about it.

     “It’s our job to make them want it,” she said.

     As part of the project, the Chamber will be photographing different sites around the area. Burton said she hopes to utilize many different types of multimedia, including YouTube video.

     Jordan said the project certainly fits within the committee’s goals.

     “Overall, the Creative Economy Committee is in the process of asset mapping and branding Brookhaven and Lincoln County as a premier driving location south of I-20,” he said.

     Applications for unique tourist locations are available at the chamber.

     National Geographic’s latest geomapping project has aimed at the “Southern Crescent” because these states were most affected by the 2010 DeepWater Horizon disaster.

     The map hopes to bring attention to unique areas, such as local restaurants, wildlife and historic attractions.

     “The National Geographic Maps Division is pleased to have the opportunity to spotlight this region and, in doing so, support and sustain it as one of the world’s most treasured national places,” said Jim Dion, sustainable program manager for National Geographic Maps, in a press release.

     National Geographic has previously completed similar projects in areas such as Yellowstone, Appalachia and Guatemala.