María Estela García Botella

María Estela García Botella is an Associate Professor at the Department of Regional Geographic Analysis and Physical Geography within the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at the University of Alicante. She specializes in cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with a focus on flood risk analysis and land use planning in Mediterranean regions. Since 2011, she has taught courses such as Cartography and Hydrogeomorphology. Her research is closely tied to the MEDSPAI research group.

• PhD in Physical Geography and Land Use Planning (2021, University of Alicante)
• Postgraduate in GIS (2003, University of Girona)
• Graduate in Geography (1997, University of Alicante)

Her research interests center on the intersection of land use planning, natural hazards (particularly flood risk), and the application of GIS and remote sensing to analyze altered Mediterranean basins. Recent projects include methodological approaches to traditional floodwater irrigation systems and geomorphological assessments for urban resilience.

Notable research trends from her work include the impacts of tourism development on ephemeral watercourses and the integration of LIDAR technology into flood vulnerability modeling. Her publications span journals like Geosciences and Water, as well as book chapters on flood risk management in Spain.

• Collaborator in the MedSPai research group since 2015
• Key contributions to projects like Usque a Sucrone ad Carthaginem Novam (2024–2027) and regional land-use plans

She has supervised numerous undergraduate and master’s theses, particularly in GIS and flood risk analysis, and provides technical support to municipalities in the Valencian Community through environmental consultancy Cota Ambiental, SLP since 2004.