Geoinformatics Unit

The Geoinformatics Unit combines the expertise of the Professorships of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics (Prof. Dr. Thomas Udelhoven), Geoinformatics – Spatial Data Science (JProf. Dr. David Frantz) and the Trier Research Institute for Applied Geoinformatics (Dr. Henning Buddenbaum, Director). Together, we are dedicated to collecting, processing and analyzing geospatial data in order to investigate environmental issues on a global, regional and local level and thus develop future-oriented solutions for socially relevant challenges such as climate change or sustainable resource management. We deal with earth observation using modern technologies such as drones, airborne sensors and operational satellites. This is complemented by experimental laboratory investigations and field studies that provide new insights into environmental processes. We process and analyze large amounts of geospatial data. We often use algorithms from the field of artificial intelligence in order to prepare and utilize the data for a wide range of environmental applications.

Collaboration within the subject network is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach. We have a long-standing regional collaboration with the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, in which we analyze ecological processes and develop concepts for sustainable land use and forest management. Another example is our research on human-animal conflicts in Africa from the perspective of climate change, which contributes to analyzing the spatial and temporal distribution of functional resources for wildlife and humans in the complex land cover and land use systems of the study area.

We are committed to breaking down scientific barriers and the direct transfer of our research into practice. We publish almost all of our research results in publicly accessible articles and develop open-source software for re-use by other researchers, authorities or commercial service providers. By providing and continuously maintaining a comprehensive satellite image database for direct use by German authorities and research institutions, we make a significant contribution to Germany's geoinformation strategy. Regular professional exchange is an important part of our network. Joint projects, colloquia and teaching events promote the transfer of knowledge and strengthen the synergies between our specialist areas. In this way, we create innovative solutions and train a new generation of geoinformatics specialists.

Our subject network stands for practice-oriented research and close, trusting collaboration between students and teaching staff. With our research and teaching, we want to make a contribution to a sustainable future. Find out more about our work and contact our team directly if you have any questions about studying or our research.