Highlight/Practical Articles Requested for PE&RS
To improve the quality and usefulness of PE&RS for a broader range of readers, we invite you to submit editorial contributions. PE&RS welcomes manuscripts that describe practical applications of geospatial technologies or those that discuss issues having a direct effect on geospatial technology users. Articles should accommodate a diverse level of geospatial knowledge and expertise among readers - from novice to experienced. Articles should convey significant analytical information, inform of developments in the industry, or explain new or unusual approaches to common problems. We do not publish vendor-specific articles; however, vendors may encourage their employees and/or customers to write application articles. Product names are not mentioned in the body of the article but are allowed in the author credit line at the end of the article.
Please note: these are NOT to be peer-reviewed articles and are not to contain lengthy lists of references or complex equations. High quality photos or graphics are encouraged.
Below is an abbreviated writer's guideline we ask that you follow. More complete writer's guidelines are available at www.asprs.org/publications then click on PE&RS. These guidelines provide an overview of our expectations and should serve as a useful tool and reference to help in drafting a manuscript.
Writers' Guidelines
How to begin: Before writing a complete manuscript,
please submit a story proposal in the form of a brief summary (150-300
words) and
outline. This should include your
story topic; the intended audience (technical user, business manager, novice);
a description of participants involved in the application or project; the
challenges faced in completing your task; how you met those challenges;
and a description
of supporting graphics you can provide. Proposals will typically be acknowledged
within 3-5 business days.
Types of articles requested:
Articles can be very succinct (650 words and one or two graphics)
or a full-length feature (2,500 words, plus photos, graphs, maps,
charts, tables, diagrams,
or other appropriate graphic illustrations). Colorful and pertinent anecdotes
and an active rather than passive voice often increase the interest and readability
of an article, as well as its practical usefulness. A tie-in to a cover image
would be ideal.
Applications articles discuss a specific project or problem, why and how geospatial technologies were applied to it, and how the authors obtained results. The emphasis should be on practical information. Typically, an applications article would take a case-study or how-to approach, providing concrete, even step-by-step, information describing the project and its objectives, the motivations or reasons for employing geospatial technologies, the problems or obstacles that had to be overcome, the actual details of the application (equipment, personnel, and time required; integration with other information systems; and so forth), and the results or outcome of the project. Discussion of a company's or user's intention to use geospatial technology for similar or additional applications in the future might also be appropriate. Writers should include enough information that readers can make independent judgments about how applicable the approach is for them.
Overview/tutorial articles illustrate and put in perspective significant trends or developments in geospatial applications by looking at a number of different uses or projects. Although not as focused on the details of each case as an applications article, the overview/ tutorial article should still emphasize practical information: Why are different techniques successful or not successful in certain situations? Why are more users taking this approach than an alternative? Where is this trend going? How can our readers anticipate the next stage of development? How can they incorporate the lessons learned from these varied experiences into their work? The different approaches that several small cities are taking to implement image based Internet GIS applications or increased use of remote sensing for emergency mapping are examples of topics that would be suitable for an overview article.
How long does publication take?
Getting an article from idea to publication takes several months.
The typical lead time between an initial inquiry and a published
magazine article is two
to four months. Complex or lengthy articles may take longer. Timely subjects
can be expedited for faster publication.
What about payment?
PE&RS does not pay for articles, but the journal is a good public relations/marketing
vehicle as it is read and recognized around the world. An article in PE&RS
may enhance a writer's professional recognition and career advancement.
It indicates that the author's organization or employer understands the
value of the dissemination of information that will enhance the usefulness
of geospatial technologies. Contributing an article to PE&RS also gives
companies, agencies, and individuals an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding
and expertise in matters involving geospatial information technologies.
Submitting manuscripts
We prefer to receive all files by e-mail. You can direct messages
to Managing Editor
.
With your submission, please also include your address and telephone number
and a brief biographical paragraph that specifies the way you prefer your
byline to appear, your title, your affiliation (company, agency, university,
and location),
and any relevant experience. You may also, as an option, list any specific
degrees held, colleges attended, and campus locations.
Acknowledgment, review, and revisions
Shortly after receiving a manuscript, PE&RS notifies the author of its
receipt and, with counsel from the Editor, the Managing Editor reviews manuscripts
to determine whether they are suitable for publication. All articles accepted
for publication are subject to copy editing for clarity and for conformity
with PE&RS style. As a safeguard against publishing inadvertent changes
in meaning that might have slipped into an article during copy editing, we
expect authors to review galley proofs before publication of an article.
We look forward to your submissions. If you have further questions about these guidelines or wish to submit an article proposal please contact .
| Top | Home |