South African Geographical Journal

Scope & Guideline

Pioneering scholarship in the heart of geographical sciences.

Introduction

Explore the comprehensive scope of South African Geographical Journal through our detailed guidelines, including its aims and scope. Stay updated with trending and emerging topics, and delve into declining areas to understand shifts in academic interest. Our guidelines also showcase highly cited topics, featuring influential research making a significant impact. Additionally, discover the latest published papers and those with high citation counts, offering a snapshot of current scholarly conversations. Use these guidelines to explore South African Geographical Journal in depth and align your research initiatives with current academic trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0373-6245
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1931 to 1932, from 1934 to 1936, from 1938 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR GEOGR J / S. Afr. Geogr. J.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The South African Geographical Journal focuses on a wide range of geographical and environmental issues pertinent to South Africa and the broader African context. Its main aims and scopes emphasize interdisciplinary research that combines theoretical approaches with practical applications to address contemporary challenges in geography, environmental science, and social issues.
  1. Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies:
    Research focusing on climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and resilience, particularly in the context of vulnerable communities and ecosystems in South Africa.
  2. Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
    Utilization of spatial data and GIS methodologies to analyze various geographical phenomena, including urban development, environmental changes, and resource management.
  3. Sustainable Development and Environmental Management:
    Exploration of sustainable practices in urban planning, natural resource management, and community engagement to enhance resilience and environmental quality.
  4. Socioeconomic Dynamics and Urban Studies:
    Examination of urbanization processes, inequalities, and the socio-economic factors influencing communities within South African cities and towns.
  5. Natural Resource Management and Conservation:
    Investigating the management of natural resources, including water, land, and biodiversity, with an emphasis on conservation strategies and ecological sustainability.
  6. Cultural Geography and Community Perspectives:
    Analysis of cultural landscapes, local narratives, and community engagement in geographical and environmental issues, reflecting diverse perspectives in South Africa.
The South African Geographical Journal has seen a notable shift towards emerging themes that reflect the current socio-environmental landscape and the pressing challenges faced by communities. These trending areas highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues and innovative research methodologies.
  1. Climate Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction:
    An increasing focus on climate resilience, particularly in the context of disaster risk reduction strategies, showcasing the need for adaptive measures in response to climate change impacts.
  2. Urbanization and Informal Settlements:
    A surge in research examining the dynamics of urbanization, particularly the challenges and opportunities associated with informal settlements in South African cities.
  3. Health and Wellbeing in Urban Contexts:
    Emerging studies that explore the intersection of health, wellbeing, and urban environments, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic impacts.
  4. Remote Sensing and Technological Applications:
    Growing interest in utilizing remote sensing technologies and spatial analysis tools to address environmental issues, land use changes, and resource management.
  5. Social Justice and Environmental Equity:
    An increased emphasis on social justice issues related to environmental management and resource allocation, reflecting a broader discourse on equity and community engagement.

Declining or Waning

While the journal maintains a robust focus on various geographical themes, certain areas have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. These waning scopes reflect shifting research priorities and emerging challenges faced by the discipline.
  1. Traditional Land Use Studies:
    Research focusing solely on traditional land use practices has diminished, possibly due to increasing interest in integrated approaches that consider socio-economic and environmental factors.
  2. Historical Geographical Analysis:
    There appears to be a decline in papers centered on historical geography, as contemporary studies increasingly prioritize current issues such as climate change and urbanization.
  3. Rural Geography:
    Although rural studies remain important, there is a noticeable decrease in publications specifically addressing rural geography, with more emphasis shifting towards urban-centric research.
  4. Geopolitics and Globalization:
    The focus on geopolitics and globalization has waned, as researchers seem to be concentrating more on local and regional issues rather than broader geopolitical analyses.
  5. Conventional Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA):
    Research specifically focused on conventional EIAs is becoming less prominent, likely due to the evolving methodologies and frameworks that integrate community perspectives and participatory approaches.

Similar Journals

PROFESSIONAL GEOGRAPHER

Fostering Innovation in Geography and Earth-Surface Research
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0033-0124Frequency: 4 issues/year

PROFESSIONAL GEOGRAPHER is a prominent journal in the fields of geography and earth-surface processes, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd. With a rich history dating back to 1949 and continuing through 2024, it serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students to explore and disseminate groundbreaking research and insights within the geographical sciences. The journal holds a respectable impact factor, placing it in the Q2 quartile for both Earth-Surface Processes and Geography, Planning and Development as of 2023, highlighting its importance in these critical academic areas. The journal ranks #273 out of 821 in Geography and Planning and #70 out of 179 in Earth and Planetary Sciences on Scopus, reflecting its robust contribution to advancing knowledge in social sciences. Although it does not currently offer open access options, it still provides invaluable content that influences pedagogy and research in geography. Its comprehensive scope invites a wide range of geospatial topics, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration across the global academic community.

African Geographical Review

Navigating Earth-Surface Processes Across the African Continent
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1937-6812Frequency: 3 issues/year

African Geographical Review is a pivotal academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, whose mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of geographical dynamics across the African continent. With an ISSN of 1937-6812 and an E-ISSN of 2163-2642, this journal consistently delivers high-quality research, showcasing innovative perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches within the fields of Earth-Surface Processes and Geography, Planning and Development. Recognized in 2023 with a Q2 ranking in these categories, it ranks #231 out of 821 in Social Sciences and #63 out of 179 in Earth and Planetary Sciences according to Scopus metrics, reflecting its substantial impact and relevance. Featuring research that spans various geographic themes, the journal not only champions academic inquiry but also fosters a deeper understanding of spatial and environmental challenges unique to Africa. Engaging with a diverse audience of researchers, professionals, and students, the African Geographical Review serves as an indispensable resource for those committed to enhancing geographic scholarship and informing sustainable development practices across the continent.

Geografia-Malaysian Journal of Society & Space

Advancing Knowledge in Geography and Social Sciences
Publisher: UNIV KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA, FAC SOCIAL SCIENCES & HUMANITIESISSN: 2180-2491Frequency: 4 issues/year

Geografia-Malaysian Journal of Society & Space, published by the esteemed Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia through its Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, stands as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of geography, social sciences, and spatial studies. With its ISSN 2180-2491 and E-ISSN 2682-7727, this journal emphasizes the importance of regional studies, fostering a deep understanding of societal dynamics within the Malaysian context and beyond. Although currently lacking impact factor and HIndex data, the journal is poised to contribute significantly to academic discussions, urging researchers, professionals, and students to explore spatial complexities influencing social structures. Geografia aims to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed works, focusing on innovative theoretical and empirical research that addresses contemporary issues in society and space. By promoting open access to its content, it ensures that knowledge is freely available, furthering academic engagement and collaboration in the global scholarly community.

Geosaberes

Empowering Scholars to Share Transformative Ideas
Publisher: UNIV FEDERAL CEARA, GEOGRAPHY POSGRADUATE PROGRAMISSN: 2178-0463Frequency: 3 issues/year

Geosaberes is a pivotal open-access journal published by the Geography Postgraduate Program at the Federal University of Ceará, dedicated to advancing the field of geography through the dissemination of high-quality research and critical discourse. Since its inception in 2010, this journal has actively supported the global academic community by providing accessible research findings and theoretical insights that contribute to the understanding of geographical phenomena. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies and local contexts, Geosaberes invites contributions from both emerging and established scholars, fostering dialogue and collaboration among researchers, professionals, and students worldwide. The journal strives to publish articles that reflect innovative ideas, enhance academic understanding, and promote sustainable practices in geography, thereby solidifying its role as an influential platform within the field.

Annals of the American Association of Geographers

Illuminating the Dynamics of Earth-Surface Processes
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2469-4452Frequency: 6 issues/year

Annals of the American Association of Geographers is a leading academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, and is based in the United Kingdom. With an impact factor positioning it in the Q1 category for both Earth-Surface Processes and Geography, Planning and Development, it stands as a pivotal resource for researchers and professionals in the fields of geography and environmental sciences. The journal’s broad scope accommodates a diverse range of topics, including spatial analysis, environmental change, and human geography, reflecting the dynamic nature of geographical research. Accessible in both print and digital formats, the journal encourages open dialogue and dissemination of knowledge among its authors, readers, and the academic community. As it converges through the years from 2016 to 2024, the Annals continues to showcase high-quality research that influences geographic thought and practice, making it essential reading for students, academics, and practitioners alike.

Documents d Analisi Geografica

Bridging Theory and Practice in Earth Sciences
Publisher: UNIV AUTONOMA BARCELONAISSN: 0212-1573Frequency: 2 issues/year

Documents d'Anàlisi Geogràfica is a distinguished academic journal published by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, focusing on the fields of geography, planning, and earth-surface processes since its inception in 1988. With an Open Access policy implemented in 2012, the journal aims to facilitate the widespread dissemination of geographical research and insights, accessible to a global audience. Currently ranked in Q3 for both Earth-Surface Processes and Geography, Planning and Development categories, it serves as a vital platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to share their findings and enhance knowledge in these critical fields. The journal is indexed in Scopus, where it stands at rank #470 in Social Sciences and #106 in Earth and Planetary Sciences, reflecting its growing impact in relevant academic communities. Based in Barcelona, Spain, Documents d'Anàlisi Geogràfica continues to contribute substantially to geographical scholarship by exploring contemporary issues and advancements in a rapidly evolving world.

Information Geographique

Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogue in Geography
Publisher: ARMAND COLINISSN: 0020-0093Frequency: 4 issues/year

Information Geographique is a prominent academic journal dedicated to the field of geographic information science, published by the esteemed ARMAND COLIN. With its ISSN 0020-0093 and E-ISSN 1777-5876, this journal serves as a critical platform for the dissemination of innovative research, addressing the multifaceted aspects of geography and spatial analysis. Information Geographique aims to foster a deeper understanding of geographic phenomena and promote interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students. Although it does not currently offer open access options, the journal's rich content encompasses studies that span from traditional cartography to cutting-edge geospatial technologies. Established in 1976, it has played a vital role in shaping the discourse within its field and continues to contribute to the academic community with thought-provoking articles and insightful analyses.

Visnyk of V N Karazin Kharkiv National University-Series Geology Geography Ecology

Unveiling insights for a sustainable future through rigorous research.
Publisher: V N KARAZIN KHARKIV NATL UNIVISSN: 2410-7360Frequency: 2 issues/year

Visnyk of V N Karazin Kharkiv National University-Series Geology Geography Ecology is a prominent academic journal dedicated to the fields of geology, geography, and ecology. Published by the esteemed V N Karazin Kharkiv National University, this journal aims to disseminate high-quality research findings and theoretical perspectives that advance understanding in these critical scientific areas. With the ISSN 2410-7360 and E-ISSN 2411-3913, it serves as a vital platform for scholars, researchers, and students striving to contribute to environmental science and sustainable development. The journal promotes open access, ensuring that research is readily accessible to a broad audience, thus facilitating the exchange of knowledge across borders. Its commitment to scholarly excellence makes it an essential resource for anyone engaged in the study of Earth's systems and their interconnections. For additional information and to submit your research, please visit the journal's website.

Acta Geographica Slovenica-Geografski Zbornik

Empowering scholars with accessible, cutting-edge research.
Publisher: GEOGRAFSKI INST ANTONA MELIKA ZRC SAZUISSN: 1581-6613Frequency: 2 issues/year

Acta Geographica Slovenica-Geografski Zbornik is a prominent academic journal published by the Geografski Institut Antona Melika ZRC SAZU, situated in Slovenia. This open-access journal, active since 2003, has made significant strides in the fields of cultural studies, geography, and earth sciences, earning impressive rankings in its respective categories—Q1 in Cultural Studies and Q3 in both Earth and Planetary Sciences and Geography, Planning and Development. With an impactful presence evidenced by its Scopus rankings, including being placed in the 90th percentile for Cultural Studies, Acta Geographica Slovenica serves as an essential platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike, facilitating accessible scholarly dialogue and contributing to the development of geographical and cultural knowledge. The journal is dedicated to advancing research that develops innovative perspectives on geographical phenomena, making it an invaluable resource within the academic community.

Cadernos de Geografia

Connecting Global Perspectives through Open Access Geography
Publisher: UNIV COIMBRA, FAC LETRASISSN: 0871-1623Frequency: 1 issue/year

Cadernos de Geografia is a distinguished biannual journal published by UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA, FACULDADE DE LETRAS, dedicated to the field of geography and related social sciences. With its ISSN 0871-1623 and E-ISSN 2183-4016, this journal has been a prominent platform for the dissemination of high-quality research since it became open access in 2012. Situated in Coimbra, Portugal, it aims to foster academic excellence by providing an inclusive space for innovative studies that explore contemporary geographical issues. Cadernos de Geografia encourages submissions that address diverse aspects of geography, ranging from environmental studies to urban planning, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. As a part of the growing trend in open-access publishing, it enhances the global reach and accessibility of geographical research, thereby contributing to the enrichment of knowledge in the field.