Why Researchers Choose Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science for High-Impact Publications
Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science stands as a cornerstone in the field of urban studies, offering researchers a platform to publish groundbreaking work on urban analytics and city science. Established in 1974 by Pion Limited and now published by SAGE Publications, this journal has evolved to focus on quantitative and qualitative analyses of urban environments. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that only innovative research reaches publication, making it a preferred choice for scholars in architecture, design, geography, and planning. The journal's commitment to interdisciplinary approaches bridges theory and practice, addressing complex urban challenges like sustainable city planning, smart cities, and spatial data modeling.
With a global readership and contributions from leading experts, Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science boasts a CiteScore of 7.8 and an impact factor of 5.1 (2023 Clarivate Journal Citation Reports). Researchers value its open access options through SAGE Choice, allowing wider dissemination without compromising quality. The journal's scope encompasses computational urbanism, urban morphology, and policy implications, attracting submissions that advance urban analytics methodologies. For those in architecture and design, it provides insights into how data-driven tools shape built environments.
Publishing here enhances academic profiles, with articles frequently cited in policy documents and urban development projects. The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Linda See from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, ensures diverse perspectives. As urban populations grow, the journal's relevance surges, offering timely outlets for research on resilience and equity in cities. To explore career opportunities in this field, visit urban planning faculty positions.
Overview & History
Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science originated in 1974 as part of the Environment and Planning series, initially focusing on urban and regional planning. In 2018, it rebranded to emphasize urban analytics and city science, reflecting advancements in data science and GIS technologies. Published quarterly by SAGE Publications in the United Kingdom, it transitioned from print to a fully digital format, enhancing accessibility. The journal's history mirrors the evolution of urban studies, from early modeling techniques to contemporary AI applications in city design.
Key milestones include its indexing in major databases since the 1980s and the introduction of open access in 2010. Today, it serves as a vital resource for over 10,000 subscribers and millions of online views annually, fostering dialogue on urban futures.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Urban Analytics | Quantitative methods for analyzing urban data, including spatial statistics and simulation models. |
| City Science | Interdisciplinary studies on urban systems, sustainability, and smart city technologies. |
| Architecture and Design | Design principles informed by analytics, focusing on built environment optimization. |
| Geography and Planning | Policy-oriented research on urban morphology, land use, and regional development. |
| Environmental Science | Assessments of urban ecology, climate adaptation, and resource management in cities. |
These disciplines highlight the journal's broad appeal, encouraging submissions that integrate analytics with practical urban challenges.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 5.1 | Clarivate 2023 |
| CiteScore | 7.8 | Scopus 2023 |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 25% | Publisher data |
| Average Review Time | 8-10 weeks | SAGE reports |
| h-Index | 85 | Scopus |
These metrics underscore the journal's influence, with steady growth in citations over the past decade.
Indexing and Abstracting
Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science is indexed in prestigious databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. It is also abstracted in GeoRef, INSPEC, and the Social Sciences Citation Index, ensuring global visibility. DOAJ lists it for open access content, while Sherpa/RoMEO confirms its green open access policy, allowing authors to share preprints.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, it offers subscription-based access with optional open access via SAGE Choice. The article processing charge (APC) for open access is £2,500 (approximately $3,200 USD), waivable for low-income countries. No fees for standard submissions, promoting inclusivity for researchers.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through SAGE's ScholarOne platform. Authors must follow the journal's guidelines: manuscripts up to 8,000 words, APA referencing, and original research only. Ethical standards adhere to COPE guidelines. Initial screening takes 2-4 weeks, followed by double-blind peer review. For tips, check submission deadlines.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board features experts like Linda See (Editor-in-Chief, IIASA, Austria), Michael Batty (University College London, UK), and Itzhak Benenson (Tel Aviv University, Israel). Their diverse backgrounds in analytics and planning ensure balanced oversight.
Why Publish in Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science?
Publishing here amplifies research impact through high visibility and interdisciplinary reach. It supports early-career researchers via fast-track options and connects work to real-world urban policy. For career advancement, explore urban analytics experts.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environment and Planning A | 4.8 | Economic geography | SAGE |
| Urban Studies | 5.2 | Urban policy | SAGE |
| Computers, Environment and Urban Systems | 6.0 | Computational urbanism | Elsevier |
| Journal of Urban Technology | 3.5 | Tech in cities | Taylor & Francis |
This journal excels in analytics depth compared to peers.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
Focus on novel methodologies, ensure data transparency, and align with urban relevance. Engage with board members' work and use clear visuals. For programs, see PhD urban planning. Revise based on feedback to boost acceptance.