# From August 1, 2012 you can reach the ÖAW-GIScience Team at www.zgis.at,
the Advisory Commission Geographic Information Science at www.oeaw.ac.at/GIScience #
University of Salzburg establishes Geoinformatics as interdisciplinary domain
Combining the success stories of the previous “Centre for Geoinformatics” with the Austrian Academy of Sciences’ “Institute for Geographic Information Science”, the University of Salzburg on August 1, 2012 has founded its new “Interfaculty Department of Geoinformatics – Z_GIS”. This step acknowledges the important new interdisciplinary positioning with Geoinformatics at the intersections of technical, natural and social sciences.
The University of Salzburg with this department enhances its internationally recognized focus on research and education in Geoinformatics. More than 70 faculty and staff in the units GIScience, Integrated Spatial Analysis, Communication & GISociety, Capacity Building and Spatial Data Infrastructures contribute to research projects and address problems in science, business, society and environment.
Research-led teaching and learning will be a core responsibility: the international PhD program excels with its flagship doctoral college in GIScience, the English language MSc in ‘Applied Geoinformatics’ attracts and graduates top students from many countries, and substantial Geoinformatics content is contributed to the Geography bachelor program. Of course the worldwide leading UNIGIS distance learning program is part of the new department as well.
Led by professors Josef Strobl and Thomas Blaschke, the Interfaculty Department of Geoinformatics is demonstrating a pathway which might serve as a role model for university organization worldwide: Geoinformatics being established as a trans-disciplinary subject beyond the constraints of traditional faculties and schools, it is subject to direct quality assurance through competitive research funding, pursues international cooperation in projects and educational programs, and aims at leadership in several core competences.
The well established brand of ‘Z_GIS’ is retained as the banner for ‘Geoinformatics Salzburg’, the new organizational framework together with well-proven experience will be the foundation of our 25th annual AGIT conference and GI_Forum in July 2013. We are looking forward to again meet peers and friends from the geospatial community to discuss insights from an academic organization making ‘spatial’ an integrated perspective across the university.
www.uni-salzburg.at * www.zgis.at * www.unigis.net * www.gi-forum.org
Austrian Academy of Sciences
Institute for Geographic Information Science
Our goal is to advance Geographic Information Science through interdisciplinary research with a strong focus on conceptual and methodological aspects.
Geographic Information Science
researches the concepts and methods for modelling, organising, analysis and communication of geospatial information. As the science supporting the development and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GIScience has significant impact on professional disciplines, public administration and increasingly, everyday lives.
Modelling the Real World
Virtual representations of reality are based on advanced data models with ontologies capturing the semantics of spatial phenomena. Developments in data models serve as the key foundation for Spatial Data Infrastructures.
Distributed Databases
Spatial data are organised in highly interoperable data repositories. Open standards enable flexible integration of spatial information into workflows. Research is focussed on systems architectures and standards specifications.
From Data to Information
.. and on to knowledge: analytical geoprocessing supports spatial monitoring and decision making across disciplines. Dynamic modelling, new algorithms and realtime assessment of patterns provide new insights.
Advanced Visualisation
Spatial communication builds on traditional cartography and rapidly moves towards highly interactive, context-sensitive user interfaces. Researchers develop foundations for public participation and performance support.
>>Josef Strobl, Director<<