Journal of Maps is a peer-reviewed, inter-disciplinary, online journal that aims to provide a forum for researchers to publish maps and spatial diagrams.
Scope
In its broadest sense, Journal of Maps (JoM) is concerned with social and physical processes that take place on a geographical scale. Topics could include, for example, footfall in retail marketing, the spread of bird flu or location of geological faults, the common theme being the use of maps or spatial diagrams to advance understanding. Maps submitted MUST make a substantial contribution to knowledge in the field that is likely to be of broad interest to readers of the journal. Above all, to be published in JoM is to demonstrate a unique line of enquiry which has required the use of maps or spatial diagrams, to have collected new data or added significant value to existing data and to present and communicate the findings adhering to high cartographic standards.
Origins
JoM has its origins back in the geological and geographical journals of the late-1800s and early 1900s. The investigative research during this period was based strongly around fieldwork and the observation of phenomena. After observation, interpretation could be applied and then presented at a society meeting. The "proceedings" of these lectures were then published, often with extra plates of photographs and maps of the original fieldwork. As a result of the these early pioneers, we now have a permanent record of this work which can be referred back to. This is important as we not only have the interpretive conclusions, but also the original data upon which the work was based. The JoM therefore seeks to offer a forum for academics to present the geospatial products of their research.
Multi-Disciplinary and International
As a discipline, "geography" traditionally covers a wide range of subject areas due to it's spatial nature. Maps and mapping science were often incorporated within geography, however spatial data are now widely used in many disciplines. JoM is intentionally multi-disciplinary and wants to draw upon, and present, work from all subject areas. Not only has this built an increasing archive of mapped data for future researchers to draw upon, but also fosters inter-disciplinary contexts.
