The Journal of Spatial Science publishes papers broadly across the spatial sciences including such areas as cartography, geodesy, geographic information science, hydrography, digital image analysis and photogrammetry, remote sensing, surveying and related areas. Two types of papers are published by he journal: Research Papers and Professional Papers.

Research Papers (including reviews) are peer-reviewed and must meet a minimum standard of making a contribution to the knowledge base of an area of the spatial sciences. This can be achieved through the empirical or theoretical contribution to knowledge that produces significant new outcomes.
It is anticipated that Professional Papers will be written by industry practitioners. Professional Papers describe innovative aspects of professional practise and applications that advance the development of the spatial industry.