Prof. Liqiu Meng serves as Chair of Cartography and Visual Analytics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). He specializes in advanced geospatial research, digital cartography, and human-technology collaboration frameworks. Current Faculty at TUM Chair of Cartography and Visual Analytics Research Focus: His work bridges cartographic theory with cutting-edge technology, covering topics like 3D urban modeling, AI ethics visualization, geovisual analytics, and spatiotemporal data interpretation. Urban Morphology Analysis AI Ethics Cartography Geovisual Analytics 3D City Data Integration Location-Based Service Design Publications: Recent works (2025-2024) demonstrate expertise in explainable AI for urban analysis, multi-agent systems for geospatial interaction, and advanced spatial modeling techniques. Contact: liqiu.meng@tum.de | contact.lfk@ed.tum.de
Prof. Christoph Kinkeldey is a Lecturer at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, affiliated with the Department of Information, Media and Communication within the Faculty of Design, Media and Information. He holds a doctorate in Geoinformatics from HafenCity University Hamburg (2015) and has conducted research globally, including at PennState University, University of Melbourne, and Inria. His work focuses on data visualization, visual analytics, and uncertainty visualization, emphasizing how visual tools aid decision-making in complex data environments. Education: PhD in Geoinformatics, HafenCity University Hamburg (2015) Research Interests: Interactive visual data analysis Uncertainty communication in visualizations Blockchain data exploration (e.g., Bitcoin network analysis) Evaluation of visualization techniques His research bridges cartography, computer science, and human-centered design to empower diverse stakeholders in understanding complex information. Publications: Recent work emphasizes uncertainty visualization for data analysts, machine learning interpretability, and blockchain analytics. Key contributions include the BitConduite tool for Bitcoin network analysis and participatory design methods for non-technical users. Awards: 2016 VAST Mini Challenge 2: Honorable Mention for Clear Analysis Strategy Advising & Collaboration: Currently on parental leave until August 2024, he collaborates with the gicentre (City, University of London) and Monash University’s Department of Human-Centered Computing. His research teams focus on interdisciplinary projects merging visualization theory with practical applications. Labs/Teams: Active in the gicentre’s visualization initiatives and Monash’s Human-Centered Computing group, contributing to open-source tools and international research networks.
Jochen Schiewe is a Researcher specializing in geovisualization, GIS, and spatial uncertainty analysis, with a career spanning over two decades. His work bridges cartography, urban planning, and computational methods. Key Affiliations: University of Hanover (PhD), ISPRS community, EuroVA workshop Research Focus: Geovisualization techniques, uncertainty quantification, smart cities, and historical map analysis His 2024 publication introduces agent-based approaches for preserving spatial patterns in urban data. Earlier works examine sound maps for data representation, land cover change analysis, and interactive GIS for public participation. Schiewe's scholarly contributions emphasize human-computer interaction and cognitive aspects of mapping . He has served as editor for special issues on smart city solutions and collaborated with leading experts in GIS and visualization.
Prof. Doris Dransch is a Professor at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's Geographical Institute within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. She holds dual affiliations with the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ. Her research focuses on geovisualization, geo-analytic systems, and geoinformation management. She has been actively teaching since 1988 at multiple institutions including Humboldt University, TU Berlin, and international universities like Salzburg. PhD: Dr. rer. nat. (Natural Sciences) Her work bridges theoretical cartography with applied geospatial technologies. Key areas include: Dynamic visualization frameworks for geoscientific data Interactive cartographic systems Mobile geoinformation services Multimedia GIS applications Publications span foundational concepts like action-oriented cartography and innovative approaches to spatial data representation. She has authored/co-authored books such as Computer Animation in Cartography (1997) and contributed to major encyclopedic works on geomatics. Professional roles include: National Delegate for Belmont Forum e-Infrastructure (2013–present) Member of German Disaster Management Committee (DKKV) Advisory Board Former Head of DFG's Cartography Commission (1999–2010) Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary applications of geoinformation systems across urban planning, disaster management, and environmental sciences.
Lars Bernard is Full Professor for Geoinformatics at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Technische Universität Dresden since 2015. He also holds the position of Chief Digitalization and Information Management Officer (CDIO) at TU Dresden since 2020 and serves as member of the TUD Rectorate. PhD in Geoinformatics (University of Münster, 2001) Diploma in Physical Geography (University of Münster, 1995) His research focuses on (Geo-)Information Infrastructures , Distributed Geoprocessing , and Smart Environmental Monitoring . He has extensive experience in developing geospatial standards through roles in AGILE, EuroSDR, and INSPIRE initiatives. His publications demonstrate a consistent emphasis on: Metadata provision and data quality frameworks Interoperability solutions for geospatial systems Climate information service architectures User-driven provenance mechanisms As co-chair of RFII (2020-) and spokesperson for NFDI4Earth (2019-), he leads major German research data initiatives. He has advised numerous students and coordinated TU Dresden's Master Geoinformation Technologies program until 2018. Current leadership roles include serving on scientific editorial boards for Environmental Modelling & Software and International Journal of Spatial Data Infrastructures Research .
Frank Heidmann is a Research Professor for Design of Software Interfaces at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, where he serves as Program Director for the Master's degree program in Design. He leads the Interaction Design Lab (IDL) and holds leadership roles including membership in the Research and Transfer Commission and Ethics Committee of FH Potsdam, and serves as Ombudsperson for good scientific practice. His educational background includes: PhD in Applied Physical Geography (1999, University of Trier) Studies in Applied Physical Geography with cartography focus (1988-1994, University of Trier) Heidmann's research spans human-computer interaction, usability engineering, and interface design, with evolving focus from cartographic communication to XR interfaces and mental health applications. His work integrates eye-tracking, tangible interfaces, and user-centered design methods, particularly addressing aging society needs and social anxiety disorders. Recent projects emphasize collaborative XR learning and neurofeedback systems. His publication trends reveal consistent contributions to HCI conferences (CHI, DIS, NordiCHI) with growing emphasis on: Immersive technologies (XR/VR) Mental health applications Collaborative interaction paradigms Critical design approaches Heidmann actively supervises design education initiatives and leads significant projects including DISA (Digital Inclusion for Social Anxiety), FUX-XR@FH:P (Extended Reality), and international partnerships with National Taipei University of Technology. As project manager at IDL, he implements research on human-technology interaction, interface design for aging populations, and user-centered design integration. His leadership extends to curriculum development projects like Design '0815' for adapting design education to digital workplaces.
Prof. Dr. Sascha Koch is a Professor of Computer Science at Jade University of Applied Sciences, specializing in geoinformatics, machine learning, and thermal energy planning. He leads the Institute Board of the IAPG (Institute for Applied Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics) and directs key projects like DiViAS (Digitization, Visualization, and Analysis of Collection Items) and ReStEP (Regional Strategic Energy Planning). His work focuses on AI-driven geospatial analysis for sustainable energy systems, including heat network suitability, geothermal potential modeling, and participatory urban planning. Projects: DiViAS (2023–2026), ReStEP (2024–2026), Comprehensive Desealing Cadastre Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Zukunft.Niedersachsen Research Themes: AI for energy transition, GeoVisual Analytics, heat management in smart cities He supervises master’s and bachelor’s theses on topics like geothermal planning, AI in municipal heat systems, and data pipelines for thermal analysis. His collaborations include the Lower Saxony State Office for Geoinformation and Surveying (LGLN) and regional museums. While his email isn’t publicly listed, his publications reflect his expertise in geospatial data science and sustainable energy applications.
Eric Losang is a Researcher in the Department of Cartography and Visual Communication at the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography in Leipzig. His work focuses on geovisualisations, historical cartography, and atlas design. He holds a geography degree from the University of Trier and has extensive experience in electronic media, database systems, and critical cartography. Education: 1990–1998: Studies in geography, political economics, and political science at the University of Trier 1987–1989: Studies in political science, history, and media science at the University of Trier Research Interests: His work bridges historical and modern cartography, exploring geopolitical imaginaries, critical approaches to mapmaking, and digital atlas development. Notable projects include the Digital Atlas of Geopolitical Imaginaries of Eastern Central Europe and the 'GLOWA-Elbe' environmental mapping initiative. Professional Roles: Chair of the ICA Commission on Atlases (since 2023) Head of the German Cartographic Society's Atlas Cartography Commission Labs/Initiatives: Leads the 'Upheavals and Transformations' Leibniz Lab and contributes to the ScienceCampus EEGA. His work emphasizes visual communication tools for population movement analysis (e.g., 'hin&weg' project).
Overview Prof. Sebastian Meier holds a professorship for Knowledge Transfer Design at Potsdam University of Applied Sciences' School of Design. His work bridges human-centered design with technological innovation, focusing on urban data visualization, sustainability communication, and open data initiatives. Co-founder of the CityVis Initiative promoting global urban visualization exchanges, he also chairs the German Society for Cartography's research commission. Education PhD in Geoinformatics (2017, Potsdam University), Master in Interface Design (2011, Potsdam), and Diploma in Communication Design (2009, Düsseldorf). Conducted visiting PhD research at City University London (2015). Research Focus Urban data visualization, climate change communication, digital participation, open geospatial data, and smart city interfaces. Projects include SVIFT visualization tool, MyAppMyData privacy framework, and Open Data Cloud Services analysis. Awards & Funding DAAD travel grants for international conferences Volkswagenstiftung Mixed Methods Research Programme Core77 Student Award (Winner) Prototype Fund (BMVI) innovation funding Professional Roles Former Scientific Director of CityLAB Berlin, Lead Data Scientist at Berlin Technology Foundation, and Guest Professor at HafenCity University Hamburg. Served as co-chair of Berlin's German Society for Cartography chapter. Labs & Collaborations Runs the Interaction Design Lab (IDL) at Potsdam, collaborating with institutions like MIT Senseable City Lab, Federal Environmental Agency, and Brandenburg Police on UX/UI design and participatory tools.
Dr. Jana Moser is Head of the Cartography and Visual Communication Department and Coordinator of the Geovisualization Research Area at the Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (IfL) in Leipzig. She holds a Diplom in Cartography from TU Dresden (1998) and a PhD in Cartographic History from TU Dresden (2007). Her research focuses on historical cartography, geovisualization methodologies, and the role of maps in knowledge transfer. Education: 1994–1998: Diplomstudium Kartographie, TU Dresden 2007: Promotion (PhD), TU Dresden (thesis: 'Untersuchungen zur Kartographiegeschichte von Namibia bis 1990') Research Interests: Cartographic history and methodology Geovisualization of complex spatial data Map analysis of historical and contemporary regional development Visual representation of mobilities and migration patterns Knowledge transfer through atlases and digital mapping tools Key Projects: Leading the 'Geovisualization Research Area' at IfL Coordinating the NFDI4Biodiversity geovisualization project Developing the 'Digital Cartography Workshop for the Old Empire' (DigiKAR) Editorial work on the 'Atlas zur Geschichte und Landeskunde von Sachsen' Publications: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, including seminal works on historical cartography of Namibia, digital mapping methodologies, and geovisualization of citizen science data. Her recent work explores non-territorial spatial formats and educational atlas analysis. Grants & Collaboration: Active in EU-funded projects like 'KonKoop' (Cooperation and Conflict in Eastern Europe) and 'GLOWA-Elbe'. Collaborates with institutions including the Saxon Academy of Sciences and the University of Leipzig. Labs/Teams: Leads the 'Geovisualization Lab' and contributes to the 'Leibniz Lab for Upheavals and Transformations'. Engages in interdisciplinary work through the EEGA Science Campus.
Tobias Werner, M.Sc., is an active researcher at the IAPG Institute of the University of Oldenburg, specializing in geospatial data analysis and spatio-temporal systems. His work bridges theoretical research and practical applications in GIS, digital tachograph analysis, and 3D metrology, with significant contributions to projects funded by governmental bodies like the Federal Office for Cartography and Geodesy. Werner's research focuses on geospatial data management, spatio-temporal analytics, and privacy-aware route reconstruction. His expertise spans machine learning applications in sovereign cloud environments, participatory GIS development, and sustainable geospatial toolboxes for rural transformation. He collaborates extensively with institutions including Leibniz University Hannover on cutting-edge geospatial initiatives. Recent publications reveal a strong trajectory toward cloud-based geospatial processing, real-time data stream management for autonomous systems, and privacy-preserving methodologies in transportation data. His work consistently leverages open-source tools like OpenStreetMap and SpatiaLite while addressing critical challenges in data sovereignty and temporal analysis. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards listed in available documentation Werner contributes to multiple funded projects including "Evaluation of driving data from digital tachographs" (Central Criminal Investigation Department), "The temporal change of geodata" (Federal Office for Cartography and Geodesy), and "Northwest Lower Saxony Sustainable New (4N): Geo-Toolbox" (Lower Saxony Advance). No thesis supervision activities are documented. He operates within the Laboratory for optical 3D metrology, collaborating with senior researchers like Prof. Dr. Thomas Brinkhoff on geospatial data transformation frameworks. His technical leadership manifests in developing specialized applications for route reconstruction from tachograph data and creating the Geo-Toolbox platform for sustainable rural development, demonstrating applied research impact across law enforcement, cartography, and environmental planning domains.
Aidan Slingsby is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at University College London (UCL), within the Faculty of Engineering Sciences. His research focuses on visualization, geovisualization, and spatial analysis, with applications in environmental science, transportation, epidemiology, and movement ecology. He has contributed to the development of novel visual analytics frameworks and tools for exploring complex spatiotemporal data. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating computer science with domains such as geography, ecology, and public health. Key areas of interest include uncertainty visualization, interactive graphics for decision support, and leveraging AI techniques (e.g., large language models) to enhance visualization design. Slingsby's recent projects include developing the VisUnit framework for reproducible visual studies, exploring narrative visualization for qualitative data, and creating glyph-based methods for spatial multicriteria decision analysis. His publications span top venues like IEEE VIS, EuroVis, and Environmental Visualization workshops.
Henry Meißner serves as a Professor in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Media and Computer Science at Amberg-Weiden University of Applied Sciences , based at the Digital Campus in Amberg (Room 3.14). His contact details include telephone +49 (9621) 482-3608 and email h.meissner@oth-aw.de . His research centers on Geospatial Data Management and Geovisualization , with core expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial data infrastructure, and advanced techniques for processing and visualizing geographic datasets. This work bridges engineering principles with computer science applications in geospatial analytics.
Prof. Dr. Marian Dörk is a Research Professor for Information Visualization & Management at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam , where he co-directs the Urban Complexity Lab (UCLAB) . His work bridges Digital Humanities , Human-Computer Interaction , and Critical Design , focusing on innovative visualization techniques for complex data. Education Ph.D. in Computer Science (2012), University of Calgary Dipl.-Ing. in Computational Visualistics (2008), Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg Dörk's research interests encompass: Critical Information Visualization for interrogating data politics Urban Complexity through spatio-temporal analysis Digital Cultural Heritage with situated visualizations Data-Driven Storytelling across journalism and education Exploratory Search with multivariate interfaces His recent publications demonstrate trends in foldable visualizations, edge contextualization in graphs, and ethical approaches to data storytelling. He leads the Urban Complexity Lab , exploring intersections of technology, urbanism, and critical theory. Scientific Awards include best paper and poster recognitions at CHI and VDA conferences. His work has been supported by grants from DFG and BMBF , including the GraDiM project (2023-2025) and SoNAR (IDH) (2019-2021). Dörk teaches in the MSc Urban Futures program and has supervised numerous student research projects like Reading Traces and Reverse Information Architecture . His design collaborations span institutions such as the Jewish Museum Berlin, Ethnologisches Museum Berlin, and Freie Universität Berlin.
Boris Müller is Professor for Interaction Design at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, where he has been employed since May 2004. He currently serves as Vice Dean and head of the Interface Design graduate programme. Müller is also co-director of the Urban Complexity Lab, a research group focusing on data visualisation and information design, which he established together with Prof. Dr. Marian Dörk. Born in 1972 in Berlin, Müller studied design at the University of the Arts Bremen before pursuing a Master of Arts in Computer Related Design at the Royal College of Art in London. His professional career has spanned multiple prestigious institutions including MetaDesign San Francisco, the Institute for Media Communication of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, and the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea in Italy, where he worked as a researcher and visiting professor. Müller's research focuses on the intersection of design, data, and technology, with particular emphasis on Data Visualisation , Interaction Design , and Generative Design . His work explores how visual representations can make complex information accessible and engaging, while also investigating the philosophical and cultural implications of digital interfaces. He has published extensively on these topics, with a particular interest in how design can facilitate understanding of scientific data, especially related to climate change and urban environments. Over the past decade, Müller's publications have evolved to address increasingly complex challenges at the intersection of design, data science, and societal issues. His recent work shows a growing emphasis on speculative design approaches, critical examinations of AI in creative practice, and innovative methods for visualizing climate data. Müller has also been increasingly focused on the pedagogical aspects of design education, exploring how to prepare the next generation of designers for a rapidly changing technological landscape. Scientific Awards Special Distinction at the Lucky Strike Junior Designer Award (2000) 1st prize in the student category of the EuroPrix (2001) Excellence Award of the 4th ACA Media Arts Festival in Tokyo (2000) Honourable Mention of the rhizome.org Net Art Commission (2002) Certificate of Typographic Excellence from the Type Directors Club New York (2003) 100 best posters (100 Beste Plakate) (2003) iF design award (2005) Information is Beautiful Silver Award (2013) German Infographics Award, category Science (2014) Müller has supervised numerous students through the Interface Design graduate programme at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, though specific names of advisees are not publicly listed. His work at the Urban Complexity Lab has attracted various research grants focused on data visualization and urban futures. Müller frequently collaborates with international institutions, as evidenced by his lectures at venues including Kyushu University in Japan and Aalto University in Finland. As co-director of the Urban Complexity Lab, Müller leads a research group dedicated to exploring how data visualization can help understand complex urban systems. The lab's work combines design practice with scientific research, creating innovative approaches to representing urban data. Müller's team has developed several notable projects, including the SENSES project which translates complex scientific climate scenario information into relevant knowledge for different user groups.
