Journal of Geo-information Science is a comprehensive academic journal in the field of geo-information science, published monthly. It is governed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), jointly sponsored by the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of CAS and the Geographical Society of China, and supported by the State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information Systems (affiliated with the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS), the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Virtual Geographic Environment (Nanjing Normal University), and the Key Laboratory of 3D Information Acquisition and Applications of the Ministry of Education (Capital Normal University). The journal was founded in 1996 by Academician Chen Shupeng. The current Editor-in-Chief is Academician Xu Guanhua, with Professor Lu Feng as the Executive Editor-in-Chief.

In December 1995, Academician Chen Shupeng, a pioneer in China's geographic information systems and remote sensing applications, visionarily proposed the establishment of a doctoral program in “Geo-information Science” and suggested the launch of an academic journal themed around “Geo-information Science” to promote the development of this field in China. From its inception, the journal has always honored Academician Chen Shupeng's vision, keeping pace with the times and synchronizing with the development of geo-information science. It has actively advocated and promoted innovations and expanded applications in the theories and methods of geographic information systems, remote sensing technology and applications, and comprehensive geographic spatial analysis research. Academician Chen Shupeng also published several articles in the journal, elucidating the connotation and extension of geo-information science and tirelessly promoting its greater role in responding to major national needs and serving the construction of the national economy. With the unremitting efforts of generations led by Academicians Chen Shupeng, Xu Guanhua, and Zhou Chenghu, geo-information science has become a main battleground for the interdisciplinary integration of geography, surveying and mapping science and technology, Earth sciences, computer science, and more.

This journal publishes scholarly articles, commentaries and short communications that explore the dynamics of geographical information flow, with a focus on innovative theoretical and methodological advancements in geo-information science. Its scope covers theories of geographic information cognition, mining of geospatial big data, intelligent spatial analysis, geo-information mapping, remote sensing data extraction, virtual geographic environments, and comprehensive spatial analysis. Its readership includes researchers, engineers, and decision-makers engaged in cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, surveying, mapping technologies, and other areas related to geo-information science.

Since its inception, Journal of Geo-information Science has focused on the acquisition and processing technologies of Earth's various spherical layers and their comprehensive analytical application research. From the ionosphere to the Moho discontinuity, all are within the spatial scope of geo-information science. As humanity's exploration of the unknown world continues to bear fruit, the spatial scope and domains of geo-information science keep expanding. From natural environments to human societies, from terrestrial to marine systems, from the Earth's surface to its deep interior, and from the Moon to Mars, the vast universe is filled with spatiotemporal information, posing countless new scientific propositions and significant demands for the development of geo-information science, propelling it forward. Both early Geographic Information Systems and later Geographic Information Science can be considered subsets of geo-information science. Currently, the rise of Information Geography also validates Academician Chen Shupeng's foresight to some extent. All physical units and scenes with spatiotemporal distribution characteristics, including the detection, pattern recognition, and flow process analysis of population, materials, energy, financial capital, and information spatiotemporal patterns, are research subjects of geo-information science. Different disciplines offer differentiated interpretations of Earth Information Science from their respective professional perspectives, creating a vibrant and contentious new situation.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of experts and scholars in the field of geo-information science and successive editorial boards, as well as the support of the governing body and leadership, the journal has progressed continuously for more than 20 years. The number of publications has increased from dozens per year to about 180. The citations received by the journal and its impact factor have steadily increased. In 2003, the journal was included in the Chinese Science Citation Database (CSCD). In 2004, the journal was included in the Chinese Scientific and Technological Papers and Citations Database (CSTPCD) of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (ISTIC). In 2008, it was selected as a Core Journal of China by the Peking University Library. Since 2019, it has been included in the World Journal Clout Index (WJCI) Reports of Scientific and Technological Periodicals. In 2021, it was included in the databases of Scopus, Ei Compendex and Geobase. In addition, according to data released by ISTIC in 2021, the journal achieved a comprehensive evaluation score ranking it 45th among natural science and technology journals included in the index, marking its first entry into the nation's top 5%. It maintained this top 5% position from 2022 to 2024. The journal's subject rankings from 2021 to 2024 were second, second, third, and second, respectively, while its national rankings were 45th, 72nd, 75th, and 41st for the same years. In 2023, several of the journal's articles were selected for inclusion in the database of Philosophy and Social Sciences Classic Literature. Furthermore, in 2024, the journal was selected for the Chinese Academy of Sciences Pilot Project for Quality Journals.

Every achievement in the development of the journal is inseparable from the support and contributions of peer experts and readers. The dedication of advisors and members of successive editorial boards has been instrumental in our progress.