1. Centre for Geo-information Writing a scientific paper RS&GIS Integration Course (GRS- 30806) Lammert Kooistra & Joep Crompvoets Contact: Lammert.Kooistra@wur.nl

2. Centre for Geo-information Contents Paper Assignment Structure of scientific paper Guidelines and format Writing style Assessment criteria Group work vs. individual paper

3. Centre for Geo-information Assignment write a scientific paper which: describes the background of the spatial model and the case study describes the validation plan describes the validation results discusses the validity of the investigated model critically reviews the validation plan and gives your view on the role of validation in the geo- information cycle

4. Centre for Geo-information Why a scientific paper? Scientists regard (peer reviewed) scientific paper as most important type of communication to report on the advancement of scientific knowledge As practice for writing Msc. Thesis More details see lecture “Literature review”

5. Centre for Geo-information General structure of scientific paper SectionIntends the reader TitleWhat the paper about AbstractShort summary, which can also “stand alone” IntroductionThe problem, and what is known already Content matterWhat you did and what you found DiscussionsHow you interpret the results ConclusionsPossible implications List of reference!!How to find the papers referred to

6. Centre for Geo-information Structure of your paper Similar to scientific journals or congress proceedings (use ISPRS format, guidelines and example: see website) Compulsory parts of paper Abstract Introduction Content matter (don’t Copy & Paste!!!!/ Use references !!!!) Material and methods (including study area) Results (including figures and/or tables) Discussion of your findings or results Conclusions and final remarks List of references

7. Centre for Geo-information Getting started with writing Reasons for resistance to start writing Overwhelming Thoughts circle around and around Hard to see the structure Difficult to find the words Start Writing Advices Making an outline facilitates writing Use a computer for your writing Start with the sections you find easiest to write Write a draft – Review and revise (get words down, prepare for the next session, revise and edit – let somebody read your draft)

8. Centre for Geo-information Improving your writing (I) 6 ways to make your writing easier to read  Choice of words (use accurate, appropriate, familiar, concrete words)  Avoid jargon (difficult to understand)  Use active verbs and avoid passive verbs (shorter, clearer, more interesting, direct, forceful, easier to understand) Passive: ‘This methods was recommended by’ Active: ‘They recommended this method’  Use strong verbs – not nouns (make sentences more forceful and easier to read) “We performed an analysis of the data” versus “We analysed the data”

9. Centre for Geo-information Improving your writing (II)  Tighten your writing - Eliminate redundant words whose meaning is already clear (a period of three months -> three months, during the year 1999 -> 1999) - Eliminate words that say nothing (quite, really, rather) - Substitute a single word for a wordy phrase (At the present time -> Now; Due to the fact that -> Because; It may be that -> Perhaps; take into consideration -> consider) - Use infinitives (the to form of the verb) and gerunds (the –ing form)  Sentence length and sentence structure (keep sentences short and simple; strive to put the most important idea early in the sentence)

10. Centre for Geo-information Referencing (Must Read other papers related to your topic) Scientific research, NO conduction in isolation !! Citing references within the main text !! Writing the reference list

11. Centre for Geo-information Assessment criteria (review by Lammert Kooistra and case study coaches) Time of delivery of Paper delivery Form Abstract (clear, maximum 250 words) Introduction (Come to the point) Content Matter (Condensed, facts & figures, No Copy/Paste) Discussion of Results (More than a critical summing up, a critical reflection, formulation of own ideas) Conclusions (Clear, concrete, overview the main issues) References (Clear, well structured) Size (2400 – 3000 words) Originality Quality of findings Style of writing (Clear, understandable, logical structured) Individual activity

12. Centre for Geo-information Group work vs. individual paper Use validation plan (group work) as starting point for paper: introduction, content matter Results fieldwork are group result: interpretation and presentation is individual possibility to divide topics within group (e.g., sampling, measurements) However, Everybody has its own writing style Everybody (in discussion and conclusion) makes its own review of the validation plan and describes his/her view on role of validation in the geo-information cycle

13. Centre for Geo-information Instructions for paper assignment Individual assignment 25 % of final mark Paper on case study results Submit paper before Friday June 27, 2008 (E-mail) Between 2400 and 3000 words Structure based on compulsory parts