A survey paper classifies existing approaches to a research problem using well-defined criteria. The paper builds a framework around an existing topic without contributing new research. It exposes areas needing further study, compiles current knowledge, and provides context for new researchers. Authors should select emerging topics with new algorithms and no existing surveys. They should read 20-40 relevant papers to develop a strong understanding before writing in a structured format that includes an introduction, classification approach, example explanations, trends analysis, and conclusion.

1. How to Write a Good Survey Paper
A survey paper classify existing different approaches to the problem, using a well set of
classification criteria. The main idea behind the survey papers is to build a framework of a research
topic based on existing literature. Survey paper does not publish new research. Surveying research
papers generally mean to collect data and results from other research papers. As per the ACM
Computing Surveys Editorial Charter “A survey article assumes a general knowledge of the area; it
emphasizes the classification of the existing literature, developing a perspective on the area, and
evaluating trends”1
.
A good survey paper exposes research topic that needs more research focus. A survey paper mainly
compile the information that is currently known about the topic. It provides basic knowledge to new
researchers. It also qualitatively and quantitatively validates information to researchers. Selecting a
topic for survey is a challenging task. To make a good survey topic, author should satisfy the
following requirements:
1. It is an emerging field and popularity of the field will grow (over time).
2. Papers with new algorithms/approaches does exist.
3. A survey paper does not exist on the survey topic.
Author can start with reading general topics before moving to pick-up relevant topic. It is advisable
that author should read 20 to 40 (at least) well written papers before start writing a good survey
paper. Citation count and locality principle for papers could be a good idea to select good papers.
Before writing, author must develop good understanding of the field. Author must completely be
aware of the main research themes, trends, challenges/issues, and results of that field. The author
must add his/her research experiences related to this research topic (if possible).
The author must produce the essence of the topic in a legitimate way. To differentiate between
approaches, author must present each approach using same template and same type of figures (for
easier understanding). It is recommended to have examples, classification, figures, summery or
tables to provide readers a good overview of the topic. Author should explain example and its
potentials using his/her understanding of the field. An example can be explained in detailed by
using seven Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why, for Whom, hoW). To classify available
approaches/methodologies author must decide what should be the main criteria. It is always
recommended to find the reason that why this classification criteria is a contribution to the
knowledge domain. It is desirable to present classifications with examples. Figures must be clear
and self-explanatory. e.g, figures can be used to explain examples in pictorial format or to present
an algorithm in pseudo-code format. Research methodology/strategy must be included to analyze
hybrid approaches. It is also desirable that author should discuss plausible solutions of the existing
challenges. Information flow in the paper must be well connected which will help to flourish the
essence of the paper. In other way, it will increase the visibility of the paper. Before submitting to
the journal, it must be reviewed by other peers. Lastly, a good survey paper must adhere the below
structure:
1. Introduction to the topic

2. 2. Program statement (how to classify and how to survey)
3. Classification
4. Characteristics of classes
5. Presentation of classes
6. Pros and cons
7. Predicted/Emerging trends
8. Conclusion
9. Acknowledgement
10. References
Written By:
Somnath Mazumdar
Dept. of Information Engineering and Mathematics,
University of Siena, Italy
Reference:
1. http://csur.acm.org/charter.html
2. http://home.etf.rs/~vm/
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.