Acta Geographica Sinica ›› 2014, Vol. 69 ›› Issue (8): 1077-1092.doi: 10.11821/dlxb201408005

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Progress in Chinese geography research reflected from Acta Geographica Sinica during 1934-2013: A bibliometrics analysis

Saixiang ZHONG1(), Bo QU1, Xiangyan SU1, Peng MAO1, Xibin YOU2()   

  1. 1. School of Resources and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
    2. School of Geography and Planning, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
  • Received:2013-09-21 Revised:2014-07-10 Online:2014-08-20 Published:2014-08-20

Abstract:

We performed a comprehensively bibliometric analysis of 4420 published articles of Acta Geographica Sinica during 1934-2013, with the perspectives of growth trends, key words, article authors and research institutions. Moreover, we analyzed the main affiliated branches, including physical geography, human geography and geographical techniques based on geographic trichotomy and the general geography. This paper aims at investigating the development trend and characteristics of Acta Geographica Sinica, a journal that represents the highest academic level in the field of geography in China. The results show that: a) Acta Geographica Sinica has reflected the latest research achievements of China's highest academic level in the field of geography to a large extent. b) The number of Acta Geographica Sinica yearly publications varies significantly, which is in accordance with important events of China. c) Although Acta Geographica Sinica is a comprehensive periodical, most of its publications are focused on physical geography. d) Acta Geographica Sinica has a stable group of academic and research scholars, thus there is a demand of new academic leaders. e) Acta Geographica Sinica has relatively high agglomeration effects and the research objects and contents of geography research in China are significantly concerned to special regions.

Key words: Acta Geographica Sinica, bibliometrics, scientific outputs, development trends, netdraw relationship analysis