The Geoinformatics conference series was initiated by the International Association of Chinese Professionals in Geographic Information Sciences (CPGIS) in 1992. This annual international conference has provided a unique forum for exchanging ideas and knowledge on geographic information science between GIS professionals worldwide. The 21st International Conference on Geoinformatics (Geoinformatics 2013) will be held on June 20-22, 2013 at Kaifeng, Henan Province, China. The conference is organized by College of Environment and Planning at Henan University, Key Lab of Geospatial Technology for Middle & Lower Yellow River Regions, Ministry of Education (Henan University), and the International Association of Chinese Professionals in Geographic Information Sciences (CPGIS), and co-organized by Center for Yellow River Civilization and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Education (Henan University), and Geographical Society of Henan. In response to the increasing concerns on globalization, regional economic development, and carbon emission and environmental issues, the theme of 2013 conference is "GIS in Economic Development, Regional Planning and Environmental Protection ". Geospatial technologies shall play an essential role in regional planning, economic development, environment protection, emergency management, and sustainable development. This conference will provide an excellent opportunity for professionals and students in the geographic information science area to exchange innovative ideas, demonstrate cutting-edge technologies, and present inspiring applications. The conference will include plenaries, special, oral, and poster sessions.