GeoAcademy: web platform and algorithm for automatic detection and location of geographic coordinates and toponyms in scientific articles

Abstract

The following study relates the qualities and uses of the GeoAcademy Project, a program designed with the aim of geolocating scientific articles automatically, such articles would be found in Scopus, Web of Science, or similar databases. An algorithm has been developed with the intention of capturing geographical coordinates or toponyms contained within the documents in order to perform reliable geolocation. In the methodology, we describe the stages of the project that have been necessary so as to build a sample database concerning the Sierra Nevada (Spain), as well as the development of the algorithm. The technical data regarding the employment of the algorithm on the sample documents and its levels of success are included in the results, as is an explanation of the platform containing web maps which can be utilised to show the texts which have been geolocated. In conclusion we outline the obstacles faced, potential bibliometric uses and the advantages it offers as a reference resource and source of information.