Research Programme
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The DK research programme re-formulates three research clusters considering not only the generation of new knowledge in isolated areas of research demand but maintaining a clear perspective on knowledge transfer into operational domains of Geoinformatics |
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The three research clusters are logically linked, provide structure and direction for the selected research themes, and define an operational structure for interdisciplinary working groups – beyond the classic view of one professor plus postdocs and PhD-students - for collaboration across PhD topics. Research clusters share common research questions, and will address multiple objectives co-operatively. Concepts of spatial thinking and spatial theory are the linchpins of this innovative cross-cutting field of research. Discipline-wise, Geography, Geology and Computer Science play significant roles but – as reflected by the faculty composition within this DK – it may be seen as a fertile ground for “transgressing the traditional boundaries of science, social theory, technology, and the humanities, and capacious imaginations will be required to realize the potential of GIS to better understand scientific problems” (Sui 2004: 67).
| Representations and Data Models is focused on research about the conceptual modelling of space, spatial features and phenomena, and provides a spatial view of various kinds of physical and abstract information objects in order to reveal the potential power of the 'spatial perspective'. | Time and Process Models research will leverage the increasing availability of real-time sensor data, the importance of process-oriented modelling, and address the need for temporal modelling beyond simple discrete time slices. |
Spatialization, Media and Society considers user perspectives and utilizes Geographic Information communication as a hypotheses generator for geospatial research: cognitive processes lead to mental mappings which are highly relevant for action, which in turn modify physical and societal spaces. |
