Research

Previous projects included the following topics:

• Development of GIS-methods for the observation of dynamic change of dunes in Antarctica
• Research on spatial dissemination of soil erosion in China
• Development of methods for optimized selection of locations for hotel chains in the region of Friuli considering spatial criteria
• Digital modelling and precision agriculture in Australia
• 3d Visualization of flood scenarios in the Rhine region

Spatial decision support and scenario based planning are one of the strategic research goals at the School of Geoinformation.

A representative example is a SDSS developed for the planning of forest road networks focusing on the reduction of ecological impact of forest road networks and to facilitate sustainable forestry over a defined period of time. Furthermore, this approach ensures the quality of forest roads, makes decisions retraceable and evaluates objectively alternatives based on an established set of conditions.

Another exciting example combining a GIS with mathematical optimization is the scenario-based planning of the next generation urban telecommunication infrastructure. The area-covering expansion of fiber optic access networks (“Fibre to the Home”) requires enormous financial resources. The respective costs are mainly determined by the ground work (cable laying). Based on this fact, information about the relation between investment volume and corresponding return on investment represents a crucial competitive factor for new network infrastructure projects. The FHplus joint research project NETQUEST focuses on the development of decision supporting tools for network carriers that allow for simulation and optimization of cable laying routes for new networks or network augmentation projects within urban areas (www.fh-kaernten.at/netquest ).