The context and goals for JAGIS are:

To inform all in journalism about the data, tools and applications
of Geographic Information Science as they relate to all aspects of journalism -- editorial and the conduct of business; To outline a plan for training professional and academic journalists to use GIS in all aspects of the journalism industry; To suggest organizations and events as possible promotion and training venues. To work to influence software publishers, data vendors and public agencies to meet the needs of GIS users in journalism.