Research Background
Over 80% of all data in economics, science, and management show a spatial dimension – whether it is the choice of location, transport of goods or planning of infrastructure. Therefore, geo-data is classified as the ‘commodity of the 21st century’ and modern geo-information technologies as the future-oriented economic industry. In this context, the use of and research with digital geo-media such as remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as well as innovative laboratory and field methods is of central importance.
The UNESCO Chair on World Heritage and Biosphere Reserve Observation and Education will merge the aspects of an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) with the use of modern geo-information technologies in the context of research for sustainability. Working with the example of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, biosphere reserves, and other UNESCO related sites (e.g. geoparks) extensive methods and tools will be developed and explored in order to preserve the unique value of these sites. Thereby, aspects of a modern environmental research will be linked to questions of an education for the environment and for sustainability.
