Disciplinary structure and development strategy of information geography in China

The advent of the information era has resulted in exceptional advances in geographic science. The domain of geographic science has expanded from traditional physical and human geography to physical, human, and information geography, resulting in the emergence of the field of information geography. Three subdisciplines have gradually formed, i.e., geographic remote sensing science, geographic information science, and geographic data science. With a view towards preparing a description of the disciplinary structure of geographic science for the Development Strategy of Discipline and Frontier Research in China (2021-2035), this article summarizes the history, definition, and disciplinary structure of information geography. The strategic layout of the discipline, along with the goals and key directions of priority development fields, are also highlighted. The insights into this new discipline provided in this paper will promote the development and application of remote sensing and geographic information within the framework of geographic science, advancing the synthesis of geographic research and the integrated development of geographic science.

Automated summary

The advent of the information era has led to remarkable advances in geographic science, resulting in the emergence of the field of information geography. Three subdisciplines, namely geographic remote sensing science, geographic information science, and geographic data science, have gradually formed. This article summarizes the history, definition, and disciplinary structure of information geography, and highlights the strategic layout of the discipline and key development directions.