About JSKAR

JSKAR — Journal of Spatial Knowledge, Analytics and Research (pronounced "JAY-skar") — is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by IdeaLab Research, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Journal at a Glance

  • Publication Model: Open Access
  • Peer Review: Single-blind peer review
  • Publication Frequency: Biannual
  • License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
  • Article Processing Charge: CAD $500, with waivers available
  • Publisher: IdeaLab Research, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • eISSN: Pending assignment

Our Identity

JSKAR is a spatially anchored interdisciplinary journal that welcomes rigorous quantitative, spatial, mixed-methods, and applied research addressing real-world environmental, social, health, and technological challenges.

The journal provides an interdisciplinary platform for advancing spatial knowledge, analytical innovation, environmental understanding, and applied research addressing complex societal and environmental challenges.

Distinctive Positioning

JSKAR extends beyond traditional GIS and remote sensing research by connecting spatial knowledge, analytical innovation, and applied research across disciplines to better understand complex environmental, social, health, and technological challenges.

The journal emphasizes methodological soundness, analytical rigor, transparency, and reproducibility while recognizing the value of applied, interdisciplinary, and practice-oriented research.

Research Philosophy: Quality Over Novelty

JSKAR evaluates research primarily on the quality and appropriateness of the research process rather than on claims of novelty alone.

The journal asks not only: "Is this research revolutionary?" but also: "Is the research methodologically sound, analytically rigorous, transparent, reproducible, appropriately interpreted, and a meaningful contribution to knowledge or practice?"

This approach creates space for a broad range of rigorous research, including:

  • Replication studies
  • Applied research
  • Methodological improvements
  • Data-driven studies
  • Well-designed observational studies
  • Quantitative and mixed-methods research
  • Spatial epidemiology
  • Environmental applications
  • Decision-support research
  • Research addressing practical problems
  • Research from emerging scholars and graduate researchers

Research Scope

JSKAR welcomes research from health, social, environmental, humanitarian, and policy fields where spatial thinking, analytical approaches, data-driven inquiry, or evidence-based frameworks contribute to understanding real-world challenges.

Research does not necessarily have to use geospatial technology to be considered by JSKAR. However, submissions should demonstrate a substantive connection to spatial knowledge, analytical thinking, place-based understanding, data-driven inquiry, or the application of evidence to real-world challenges.

The journal welcomes interdisciplinary contributions across areas including:

  • Geography
  • GIS and Spatial Science
  • Remote Sensing
  • GeoAI
  • Spatial Data Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Public Health and Health Geography
  • Epidemiology
  • Social Sciences
  • Sustainability
  • Climate Research
  • Disaster Management
  • Indigenous and Community Research
  • Public Policy
  • Agriculture
  • Computer Science and Data Science
  • Humanitarian Research
  • Development Research

For the detailed scope, research areas, and examples of suitable submissions, see Aims & Scope.

Sustainable Development Goals

JSKAR welcomes research contributing to the understanding and advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through spatial knowledge, analytical approaches, and evidence-based solutions.

The journal encourages interdisciplinary research addressing global challenges related to health, climate change, environmental sustainability, disaster resilience, food security, water resources, poverty reduction, inequality, and sustainable development.

SDGs are treated as a cross-cutting application and impact framework within JSKAR rather than as a separate or exclusive subject area.

Research Evaluation Philosophy

JSKAR's editorial and peer-review processes emphasize:

  • Methodological quality — Are the methods appropriate, transparent, and well executed?
  • Analytical rigor — Is the analysis appropriate for the research question?
  • Transparency — Are the research methods, data, and analytical procedures sufficiently documented?
  • Reproducibility — Can the findings be independently verified or reproduced where appropriate?
  • Appropriate interpretation — Are conclusions supported by the methods, data, and results?
  • Contribution — Does the research advance spatial knowledge, interdisciplinary understanding, or practical application?

Core principle: JSKAR promotes rigorous, transparent, and methodologically sound research that advances spatial knowledge and supports evidence-informed solutions.

Open Access and Publication

JSKAR is an open-access journal. Articles are made freely available to readers under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.

JSKAR operates on an article processing charge model. The current APC is CAD $500. Waivers may be available under the journal's publication fee and waiver policy.

There is no charge for submitting a manuscript. Manuscripts are subject to editorial assessment and peer review before publication.

For complete information about publication fees, waivers, licensing, and author rights, see Publication Fees and Open Access Policy.

Editorial and Peer Review

JSKAR uses a single-blind peer-review process. Manuscripts are evaluated for methodological quality, analytical rigor, transparency, appropriate interpretation, and contribution to knowledge or practice.

Research articles are normally evaluated by at least two independent expert reviewers. Editorial decisions are made independently in accordance with the journal's peer-review and editorial policies.

For details, see Peer Review Process.

Journal Development and Scholarly Visibility

JSKAR is establishing its scholarly metadata and indexing presence through Crossref, Google Scholar, DOAJ, and other appropriate scholarly services. The journal is committed to maintaining accurate article metadata, persistent identifiers, discoverability, and responsible scholarly publishing practices as its publication record develops.

Contact

For general questions about JSKAR, submissions, publication, or journal policies, please contact the JSKAR Editorial Office.

JSKAR Editorial Office
IdeaLab Research
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Email: info@idealabresearch.org

Aims & Scope | Publication Fees and Open Access Policy | Peer Review Process | Submit Your Research