Cartography and Geographic Information Science

Scope

Articles must build on previous research and demonstrate for instance why a ‘good’ new map is a better map than the established practice, basing the evaluation on some form of user testing. Or, how results of a new algorithm to calculate some property are improved in some quantifiable or conclusive manner. Historical papers are considered if original sources are presented and are not just reminiscences or indirect observations. Other articles may apply mathematical analysis for projections and other spatial properties. The mathematics and analysis must be rigorous and logically presented, with attention to reproducibility. In support of reproducibility for all kinds of work, the journal requires that data and software used in the analysis be deposited in a repository that complies with the Open + FAIR policies of the COPDESS consortium. Of course, the most innovative articles may have no precedent, but then they must fully prove their point with careful scholarship about the nature of the innovation. The field of geographic information science is broad. The Journal focuses on the analytical output of a geographic information system, rather than its source material. Therefore, CaGIS does not encourage studies that report on data acquisitions as the primary focus. By contrast, analysis of the gaps in coverage of any data source or demonstration of a new procedure would fit quite well.