Publications

Getting the Most from Geographical Publications

Journals, bulletins and map folios each reward a slightly different way of reading. A peer-reviewed article is usually built around a research question, a description of methods and a discussion of findings. If time is short, start with the abstract and the conclusions, then go back to the methods to judge how far the results can be applied. Pay close attention to the study area. Work on coastal erosion along the Gold Coast, for example, may not transfer neatly to the mangrove shores of Moreton Bay or the tidal flats further north.

Reading maps with a critical eye

Map folios are most useful when you read the information around the image as carefully as the image itself. Before drawing conclusions, check these details:

• Scale: how much ground the map covers.
• Projection: how the curved surface of the Earth has been flattened.
• Data source and date: where the information came from and how current it is.

Queensland's landscapes change quickly through floods, cyclones, bushfires and urban growth. A map of south-east Queensland land use from a decade ago tells a different story from a current one. Comparing editions side by side is one of the simplest ways to see change over time.

Using publications in the classroom and the field

Teachers often pair a bulletin item with a short map exercise. Students might read about a local catchment, then trace its boundaries and tributaries on a topographic sheet. Enthusiasts can take a similar approach before heading outdoors. Reading up on the geology or settlement history of an area makes a visit far more rewarding. Our field trips are a natural companion to the written material.

Citing and sharing responsibly

When quoting from a journal article or reproducing part of a map, note the author, title, year and publisher, and respect any copyright conditions attached to the work. Many government mapping and environmental datasets in Australia are released under open licences. These still ask for attribution, so check the licence terms before reuse.

If you prefer listening to reading, our podcasts explore many of the same themes in conversational form. Older material can be found in the archive.