Geoinformatics Research Group | ZHAW Institute of Natural Resource Sciences IUNR

Derivation of environmental indicators using drone-based remote sensing (for example, vegetation indices).

GINES: Software for the visualization of spatial data and for spatial decision support in planning issues.

Precise surveys in the field by means of high-performance systems and with powerful technologies.

About us

The Geoinformatics Research Group focuses on the development, application and validation of innovative methods for processing and analysing spatiotemporal data on topics relating to the environment and natural resources. As a centre of excellence for industry-focused approaches to data, software and infrastructure, the Group provides solutions-based and customer-focused advice on the planning and implementation of geoinformatics projects.

Competencies

Geospatial data collection (mobile GIS, drone-based short-range remote sensing).
Design and maintenance of geodatabases and infrastructures
Spatial analysis and spatial data science (suitability and multi-criteria analysis, location analysis)
Programming and scripting for spatial analysis
Cartography and Geovisualization

Our thematic fields

Geodata collection with drones

Drones are revolutionizing research, industry and everyday life. The Geoinformatics research group has a large number of modern drone systems at its disposal, which can be used to collect extremely high-resolution image data in terms of time and space. Possible applications range from the evaluation of 3D point clouds in urban areas to the creation of high-resolution vegetation indices for modern agriculture. The evaluation and application of drone-based remote sensing is an integral part of the research and teaching portfolio of the Geoinformatics group.

Ecological Monitoring

Understanding ecological processes requires the repeated acquisition of geospatial data in monitoring programs. The geoinformatics research group develops flexible workflows for the acquisition, enrichment, and analysis of spatiotemporal data for effective and efficient ecological monitoring. For this purpose, we combine self-collected geodata with publicly available spatial data.

Multi-criteria analysis

The great strength of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lies in the combination of different data levels via a common spatial reference. In so-called multi-criteria analyses, we digitally map the most diverse properties of space and compute them into spatially differentiated suitability maps: Where is the best location for a new wind turbine? Where are the best cultivation sites for the superfood grain quinoa?

CONSUS - Suitability Analysis Tool for Suitability Analyses of Agricultural Products

Spatiotemporal analysis and modeling

Ever increasing amounts of spatiotemporal information require the development of new Data Science methods. To this end, we combine methods of geoinformatics with machine learning and information visualization for the analysis and modeling of spatial processes. Applications range from the probability of accidents between cars and wildlife, to the risk of tick bites in forests, to valuation tools for sustainable investment in the financial sector.