Stefan Dech

Dr. Stefan Dech is a full Professor for Remote Sensing at the Institute of Geography and Geology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Wuerzburg since 2001. He also serves as Director of the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) since 1998. His work focuses on operational derivation of geo- and bio-physical parameters from satellite data, time series analysis for change detection in terrestrial ecosystems, land use/land cover classification, urban risk modeling, and development of decision support systems for natural disasters.

Education

• Diploma in Geography, University of Wuerzburg (1987)
• Doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.), University of Wuerzburg (1990)
• Habilitation in Geography (Dr. rer. nat. habil.), University of Wuerzburg (1997)

Research Highlights

Prof. Dech leads interdisciplinary projects including:

• Information management system for the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
• Tsunami early warning system in Indonesia
• Impervious surface mapping in Germany
• Desertification quantification in semiarid regions
• Arctic/Antarctic sea ice dynamics analysis
• Mapping of abandoned military sites in Germany

His research integrates optical and radar remote sensing technologies with environmental monitoring applications.

Institutional Roles

• Chair of Remote Sensing at University of Wuerzburg (2001–present)
• Director of German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD), DLR (1998–present)
• Member of Graduate School GSST (Science and Technology) and MICMoR (Climate Change in Mountain Regions)

DFD under his leadership collaborates with Helmholtz Association institutions, BMBF, European Union, ESA, and NASA through over 50 active projects.