Scientific profile:

Since October 2011: PhD Student at the GIScience Doctoral College at the University of Salzburg

Since June 2011: PhD candidate at the University of Salzburg

07’ 2007 – 06’ 2011: Internship followed by a project assistant position at the Research Studios Austria, Studio iSPACE, Salzburg, Austria.

09’ 2005 –10’ 2009: University of Salzburg, Austria. Master of Science in “Applied Geoinformatics”. Master’s Program for Geography. Thematic focus on climatology, hydrology modelling, spatial analysis, remote sensing àMaster Thesis

09’ 2001 – 09’ 2005: University of Applied Sciences, Kapfenberg, Austria. Diplomingenieur (FH) (comparable to a Master of Science) in “Urban Technologies”. Thematic focus on telecommunications, energy management, water and waste water management, traffic engineering àDiploma Thesis

Research interests:

Eva'sresearch interests and main research focus are based on spatial and regional analysis, development of spatial indicators for landscape and settlement assessment, GIS-supported (planning-) tools e.g. Backcasting methodology for sustainable resource management, model simulation and demographic change issues.

Further, due to her former studies, she is interested in energy modelling, especially solar and hydropower potential modelling (see also her Master Thesis at the University of Salzburg)

Research Cluster: Time and Process

 PhD Thesis Topic: Backcasting as tool for sustainable spatial planning and ressource management

Abstract: Mankind has been making predictions since the earliest recorded history. From the astrologers of antiquity to the climate specialists of today, all have attempted to make predictions about future events. These attempts include assessments of whether or not these outcomes are probable or possible, desirable or undesirable. This work at hand concentrates on describing a methodology for the development and analysis of scenarios by refining and expanding existing methods. The approach is called Backcasting and was conceptually developed to support sustainable decisions in the energy sector. Backcasting works backwards from the envisioned future goals to the present, setting milestones to achieve the desired objective. These milestones are small interim scenarios along the way between the future scenario, usually 20 to 50 years ahead, and the present situation. The proposed Backcasting methodology is implemented in a modelling environment based on Geoinformation-System (GIS-based) making use of Geosimulation models. The methodology is applied to the multidimensional phenomenon of urban sprawl, which often results in car dependency and associated negative effects (high CO₂ emissions, environmental pollution), high infrastructure costs, large commuting distances, and social segregation processes. To act against social and environmental degradation of rural areas, sustainable planning has to be the “overarching goal” (Botequilha Leitao & Ahern 2002), and will be supported with the developed approach.

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