Writer's Guidelines

Editorial Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in contributing to Directions Magazine. People who read Directions Magazine manage, use, or are investigating how to solve problems using geospatial technologies including GIS, GPS, location-based services, remote sensing and others.

Feature Articles

Feature articles usually run 1,500 to 2,000 words and may cover a variety of subjects. Shorter pieces are also welcome.
We suggest the following types of articles:

Solution articles explain how a challenge was addressed by geospatial technologies. Define the challenges and include details of how they were resolved. If possible discuss why and how the technology was chosen and applied, difficulties to overcome, cost, personnel, and lessons learned.

How-to articles detail systematic instructions on how to implement a technique within an organization or system.

Product reviews evaluate new products or services in an unbiased way. Reviews examine technical issues related to hardware, software and data, and the features and benefits provided by the product or service.
The review should answer the following questions:

• What are the system requirements?
• What is its intended market, and is it appropriate for it?
• How well does it perform its claimed capabilities?
• How easy or difficult is it to implement/learn?
• How does it compare to similar products?
• Home much does it cost?
• How much training is suggested? What types of training (Web, tutorial, video, etc) are available?
• What suggestions would you make to the vendor to enhance the product?

Guest Editorials are "point of view" pieces that articulate a stand on a policy, technology or other issue related to geospatial technology. These are typically shorter pieces (up to 1000 words) and should include the reasons you support this view.

Other topics and forms are welcome. Please contact the Managing Editor to discuss your ideas.

Writing Style and other guidelines

Style

Directions Magazine’s readership has a wide variety of backgrounds. We prefer a familiar rather than a scholarly tone to make content as accessible as possible. Please define the goal of the article and the benefits a reader will take away in the first two paragraphs. Define all acronyms on first use except GIS and GPS. Identify all persons quoted including their name, title and company affiliation.

While we accept articles penned by vendors, we do ask that they be non-commercial. We prefer that users tell their own story if at all possible.

Captions

All graphics (images, charts, maps, etc.) should have descriptive captions of 15-25 words in complete sentences that explain the relationship to the article.

Bylines and author biographies

A two line biography of the author(s) is requested. Please include the author(s)’ name(s), title(s), or organization(s), and website(s)/e-mail address(es).

Manuscript

Send via e-mail to the managing editor. We will confirm receipt of materials. All submissions are subject to approval and editing for grammar, style, and consistency. We make no guarantee that submissions will be published.

Graphics

Please provide a minimum of 3-5 digital graphics for feature articles along with the manuscript (do not embed them in a Word processing document, attach the graphics file to an e-mail). If you are unable to produce or acquire digital graphics, please contact the managing editor and we will try to assist you.
Graphics should:

• Illustrate the focus and content of the article
• Show activity or movement and include people
• Depict a project area (clear, colorful, dynamic scenes)
• Computer screen shots where the print onscreen is readable

We prefer you to submit your graphics in digital format. Files should be no wider than 700 pixels. We can process the following types of files:

• GIF - preferred
• JPEG - preferred
• BMP
• TIFF
• PCX
• PNG

Payment for Articles

At this time, Directions Magazine does not pay for unsolicited articles. We welcome your contributions to the publication and the industry.

Original Material

Directions Magazine gives priority to submitted articles that have not yet been published. We will consider articles that have been or will be published elsewhere, on a case by case basis. Please let the managing editor know if an article you are submitting for consideration has already been published elsewhere.

Copyright

Directions Magazine retains copyright to the version of material which appears in Directions Magazine publications (e.g. editorial material appearing in Directions Magazine may not be copied and republished elsewhere in the same form without appropriate credit given to Directions Magazine).

Contact

For more information, contact managing editor Nora Parker at nora.parker@directionsmag.com