Mapping Environmental Risks - Quantitative and Spatial modeling approaches
We would like to invite contributions to a special edition of the Journal of Maps devoted to recent innovations and techniques in the exploitation of mapping and geoinformatics in the field of Environmental Risk Assessment.
PURPOSE
The fundamental basis for this special issue is the growing application of GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing and spatial statistics in research aimed at understanding, analyzing and visualizing Environmental Risks. As a result, this is a general call for a special issue entitled 'Mapping Environmental Risks - Quantitative and Spatial modeling approaches'.
BACKGROUND
Risk assessment, risk characterisation and risk management are the main aspects of a process known as “Risk Analysis”. This is a multi-discipline domain involving various scientific areas (geography, earth & environmental sciences, ecology, toxicology, engineering, law, economics, sociology, political sciences etc). Within this context Environmental Risk Analysis deals mainly with the evaluation of uncertainties in order to ensure reliability in environmental issues, such as the utilization of natural resources, ecological preservation and public health considerations. This subject has rapidly become a scientific framework of great importance.
If we adopt the consideration of the Human-Environment-Human chain as a starting point we can distinguish three types of risk according to their causal characteristics:
(a) Environment to Human risks are naturally caused environmental changes. These changes most often jeopardize humans.
(b) Human to Environment risks are human made risks that cause significant changes in the environment. These changes do not necessarily affect humans, at least in the short time.
(c) Human to Environment to Human risks are anthropogenic environmental changes which have negative consequences to humans as the result of alterations in the physical environment.
Using this framework for Environmental Risk Analysis, the quantification and mapping of risk is a crucial process.
TOPICS
Without constraining the range of research topics, we offer the following as examples for this special issue:
• mapping risk to people/environment from development;
• mapping risks of the uncertainty of nature and natural disasters;
• mapping risks associated with policies / decision making; and
• mapping risks associated with pollution.
The Journal of Maps (http://www.journalofmaps.com) is an open-access electronic journal that aims to provide a forum for researchers to publish maps and spatial diagrams. It provides a unique outlet for graphical material that may otherwise be expensive or difficult to publish in a conventional paper-based journal.
SUBMISSION
All papers are expected to consist of a map or series of maps accompanied by fairly brief explanatory text. Papers should be bespoke, and the mapping of reasonable quality. All papers in this special edition will be peer reviewed. To submit a paper, authors should do the following:
1. Submit a short draft (500 word limit) outlining the key themes and scope of the paper, where possible including example mapping, by Friday 27 July 2012.
Abstract selection by the Editorial committee. You will receive a notification letter by Friday 7 September 2012
2. Submit a completed paper (2500 word limit) by Friday 4 January 2013.
3. The special edition will be published in December 2013.
Reviewers are happy to discuss ideas for papers and their suitability with potential contributors prior to the short draft submission stage. Please email Stamatis Kalogirou (skalo[at]hua.gr) in the first instance.
All submissions should be made via the Journal of Maps ScholarOne website (http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tjom). Further guidance on all aspects of submission can be found at the Journal of Maps Taylor and Francis website (http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tjom20).
Stamatis Kalogirou, Harokopio University of Athens (skalo[at]hua.gr)
Christos Chalkias, Harokopio University of Athens
Mike Smith, Kingston University, UK
