Top academic credentials for UNIGIS Hungary alumnus

Ervin Pirkhoffer PhD (UNIGIS alumnus, 2004-2006) held his habilitation (’second doctorate’) lectures at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs on February 16. The titles of the lectures were ”GIS Approaches in Modelling” (lecture for students) and ”Flash Flood Modelling” (scientific presentation in Hungarian and in English).

After acceptance of his professorial thesis, Ervin Pirkhoffer presented a scientific lecture on general features of flash floods and the impact of climate change on flash flood frequencies and magnitudes. Among the broad range of modelling approaches, he emphasized the findings of his research group. He outlined the strenghts of GIS applications in modelling and prediction from several viewpoints and presented risk maps produced by the research group using a ’rapid screening’ approach in ArcGIS environment. The monitoring system operated by the research group represents the basis for the development of a real-time forecast and warning system.

The cumulative rating for three lectures was 95 per cent, and the Defense Committee proposed granting of the title of habilitated doctor to the Doctoral and Habilitation Committee of the University of Pécs.

Dr Pirkhoffer is already the 2nd graduate from the UNIGIS Hungary programme continuing to achieve this highest academic qualification – Congratulations!

New edition of UNIGIS studies started at Jagiellonian University, Poland.

Last weekend students of intake 2012 arrived to Kraków to take part in their first two-day UNIGIS workshop.

First day was dominated by rather non-GI issues like studies program and organization as well as e-learning educational and technical aspects. In the afternoon students were encouraged to build “learning alliances” by getting know each other during students’ self-presentation and common dinner in one of restaurants in the Kraków Old Town.

Second day was devoted mainly to GIS software used during the studies, which was presented and tested by students in the computer laboratories of Institute of Geography and Spatial Management.

We hope that students came back home with strong motivation and good social support to start successfully their studies. Good luck!

Once again: UNIGIS professional attracts practitioners from near and far.

After a very successful last year in terms of student registrations for the UNIGIS professional certificate in Salzburg, the popularity of this application-oriented GIS study program offered by the Centre of Geoinformatics is continuing in 2012.

Most of this year's first group of students attended the introductory workshop a few days ago to 'dive into' an innovative and partly unfamiliar learning environment, and getting to know fellow students and UNIGIS faculty.

The broad range of participants' background domains  indicate the integrative character of spatial information science. Beyond that, a stimulating atmosphere for collaborative learning not only for students, but for the entireUNIGIS community is created by this variety.

Besides this range of domain-specific experience, the geographical distribution of students is remarkable. With participants coming from the very North of Germany as well as from South Tyrol, the Vienna region and Switzerland, the value of a study program exclusively taught online is being successfully demonstrated.


P.S.: The next UNIGIS professional study group starts in May 2012.

Directions of Geospatial Technology - India Geospatial Forum

At this year's India Geospatial Forum in Gurgaon, Feb 7-9 Prof Josef Strobl from UNIGIS International was invited to the Plenary Panel on 'Dimensions and Directions of Geospatial Technologies'. In a session joined by Dr. V K Dadhwal (Director NRSC India); Rajesh Mathur (Vice Chair ESRI India) and J. B. Monnier (Senior VP Bentley Asia), Prof Strobl was presenting 'Live Geography' as one of the key trends in today's geospatial developments.

India's leading Geoinformatics event did not only again succeed in bringing together top decision makers, scientists and business representatives, but presented a rich industry exhibit and served as a reference platform for academic research and higher education. UNIGIS India director Dr. Shahnawaz welcomed numerous UNIGIS alumni from across the subcontinent, and consulted with current and prospective future students.

UNIGIS MSc: 2012 class is taking aim ...

... at reaching their objectives! After having started their studies earlier this year, more than 50 new MSc candidates are convening at the University of Salzburg for their getting-acquainted workshop. A mixed agenda of introductions, orientation sessions on curriculum / modules / learning platform / approaches to study, plus reflecting on motivations and objectives for their studies keeps everybody involved.

The main objective of the workshop of getting everyone off 'to a good start' into their UNIGIS MSc studies requires a clear focus on establishing communications and building a 'community of learning practice'. This year's group again has a diverse background from surveying, geography, computing, natural resources, planning, engineering and more - clearly demonstrating the transversal methodology focus of Geoinformatics.

UNIGIS degrees and certificates have an excellent record as key building blocks for 'geospatial' careers in industry, public service, NGOs and academia. The Salzburg UNIGIS team wishes all new students a successful start into this intensive phase of their lives, and reaching of all personal and professional objectives!