How to Contribute to Directions Magazine
Directions Magazine welcomes contributions from professionals working with geospatial technologies. Its readership includes managers, analysts, technologists, and decision-makers who rely on GIS, GPS, location-based services, remote sensing, sensors, and related tools to solve practical problems. Articles should therefore be informative, relevant, and grounded in real-world application.
Feature Articles
Feature-length submissions typically range from 1,200 to 1,500 words, though shorter pieces are also considered. Topics may span technical innovation, implementation strategies, business trends, or applied case studies.
Suggested article formats include:
Solution-Focused Articles
These explain how a particular challenge was addressed using geospatial technology. Authors should clearly define the problem, describe how the solution was selected and implemented, and outline obstacles encountered along the way. Details about cost considerations, staffing, training requirements, measurable benefits, and lessons learned are encouraged.
Tutorials
Step-by-step guidance on deploying or using a specific technology is welcome. Tutorials may address general workflows or detailed technical procedures.
Product Reviews
Reviews should remain objective and analytical. Submissions should evaluate hardware, software, or data products based on technical performance and practical usability. A strong review addresses:
- System requirements
- Intended audience and suitability
- Performance relative to advertised capabilities
- Ease of implementation and learning curve
- Comparison with competing products
- Cost structure
- Available training resources (e.g., web-based, tutorials, video)
- Recommendations for product improvement
- State of the Art Articles
These pieces examine the current condition of a specific technology or business sector. Authors should outline key players, leading products, prevailing challenges, and emerging trends.
Guest Editorials
Opinion-based submissions (up to 1,000 words) may present a clear position on a policy, technological, or industry issue. Authors should articulate their viewpoint and support it with reasoned arguments.
Other formats and topics are welcome. Prospective contributors are encouraged to discuss ideas with the Managing Editor before submission.
Writing Style and Guidelines
The audience includes professionals with diverse backgrounds. Articles should be written in an accessible, conversational tone rather than academic language. The first two paragraphs should clearly state the article’s purpose and the benefits readers can expect.
Acronyms must be defined upon first use, except for widely recognized terms such as GIS and GPS. Individuals quoted in the article should be identified by full name, title, and organizational affiliation. Footnotes are generally discouraged.
Submissions from vendors and solution providers are accepted, provided the content remains informative and non-promotional. Whenever possible, end users are encouraged to share their own experiences directly.
Bylines and Author Information
Each submission should include a concise, two-line author biography. The bio should list the author’s name, title or organizational affiliation, and website or email contact information.
Manuscript Submission
Articles should be sent via email to the Managing Editor. Receipt of the submission will be confirmed. All manuscripts are subject to editorial review for clarity, grammar, and consistency. Publication is not guaranteed, and acceptance is determined at the discretion of the editorial team.
By adhering to these guidelines, contributors can help ensure their work meets the needs of a global audience engaged in advancing geospatial technology.
