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Exploratory Bibliometrics: Using VOSviewer as a Preliminary Research Tool

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  • Andrew Kirby

    (Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85069-7100, USA)

Abstract

This paper explores ways in which open access bibliometric software can be used to undertake exploratory research and to generate new avenues of inquiry. It takes as its focus VOSviewer, a freely available software package used to construct and display bibliometric relationships between a variety of variables. Beginning with published examples, the paper proceeds to create an original case study using bibliometrics to explore the extent to which the field of remote sensing is contributing to the implementation of sustainable development goals. This example uses Scopus data and VOSviewer to examine and contrast co-occurrence data among publications in six journals, and it demonstrates how such software can be successfully used to undertake preliminary studies and to shape subsequent research which employs more formal approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Kirby, 2023. "Exploratory Bibliometrics: Using VOSviewer as a Preliminary Research Tool," Publications, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jpubli:v:11:y:2023:i:1:p:10-:d:1074067
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    1. Gricelda Herrera-Franco & Néstor Montalván-Burbano & Carlos Mora-Frank & Lady Bravo-Montero, 2021. "Scientific Research in Ecuador: A Bibliometric Analysis," Publications, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-34, December.
    2. Catarina Sobreira & Joyce K. Klu & Christian Cole & Niamh Nic Daéid & Hervé Ménard, 2020. "Reviewing Research Trends—A Scientometric Approach Using Gunshot Residue (GSR) Literature as an Example," Publications, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-17, February.
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    4. Loet Leydesdorff, 2006. "Can scientific journals be classified in terms of aggregated journal‐journal citation relations using the Journal Citation Reports?," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 57(5), pages 601-613, March.
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    Cited by:

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    10. Gonçalves, M. & Figueiredo, A. & Almeida, R.M.S.F. & Vicente, R., 2024. "Dynamic façades in buildings: A systematic review across thermal comfort, energy efficiency and daylight performance," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    11. Iwona Bąk & Katarzyna Wawrzyniak & Emilia Barej-Kaczmarek & Maciej Oesterreich, 2025. "Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development in EU Countries: Status, Prospects, and Challenges," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-29, March.
    12. Federico Briatore & Francesca Vanni & Marco Tullio Mosca & Roberto Nicola Mosca & Fabio Fruggiero & Francesco Mancusi, 2025. "Exploring Industry 4.0’s Role in Sustainable Supply Chains: Perspectives from a Bibliometric Review," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-18, February.
    13. José Manuel Saiz-Alvarez, 2024. "Innovation Management: A Bibliometric Analysis of 50 Years of Research Using VOSviewer ® and Scopus," World, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-28, October.
    14. Carlos Cacciuttolo & Martin Navarrete & Edison Atencio, 2024. "Renewable Wind Energy Implementation in South America: A Comprehensive Review and Sustainable Prospects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-45, July.
    15. Nandini Halder & Manoj Kumar & Akshay Deepak & Shailendra K. Mandal & Amjad Azmeer & Basit A. Mir & Anissa Nurdiawati & Sami G. Al-Ghamdi, 2025. "The Role of Urban Greenery in Enhancing Thermal Comfort: Systematic Review Insights," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-30, March.
    16. Edgars Sedovs & Tatjana Volkova, 2024. "Sustainability: Is It a Strategic Management Research Fashion?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-24, August.

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