An official journal of the International Cartographic Association (ICA), it contains authoritative papers on all aspects of cartography: the art, science and technology of presenting, communicating and analysing spatial relationships by means of maps and other geographical representations of the Earth's surface.

Its readership is drawn from over 180 countries and encompasses: academics and students; research and educational institutions, senior representatives of national mapping agencies; software suppliers and users; cartographic technicians; cartographic producers and publishers; oil exploration companies; librarians; designers; and other professional bodies and practitioners.

Its current editor-in-chief is Dr Alexander James Kent, Reader in Cartography and Geographic Information Science at Canterbury Christ Church University.

Each year since 1975, the British Cartographic Society has run the Henry Johns Award (sponsored by cartographic firm Lovell Johns) for the most outstanding paper published in the preceding Volume (year).

Nominations are submitted to the Editor by members of the international Editorial Board and the paper receiving the highest number is deemed the winner.