Theresa Pfaffinger

Theresa Pfaffinger serves as a Researcher in the Department of Engineering Geodesy at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), a position she has held since 2024. Her role integrates research and teaching within the Chair of Engineering Geodesy under Prof. Christoph Holst, focusing on precision geodetic applications for structural integrity assessment in civil engineering and astronomical infrastructure.

Her academic foundation includes:

• Bachelor of Geodesy and Geoinformation (2018-2021): Thesis on verification of UTM coordinates for state border points
• Master of Geodesy and Geoinformation (2021-2024): Specialized in Engineering Geodesy with thesis on laser scanning-based damage detection in buildings

Theresa's research centers on laser scanning methodologies for structural health monitoring, particularly geometric damage assessment in existing buildings and precision surveying of radio telescope reflectors. Her work bridges geodesy, civil engineering, and astronomy through rigorous deformation analysis and quality control protocols, emphasizing practical applications in infrastructure monitoring and astronomical instrumentation calibration.

Her publication record demonstrates emerging impact in interdisciplinary geodetic research, particularly through the 2025 study on HartRAO radio telescope deformation analysis. This work exemplifies cross-disciplinary trends where geodetic techniques solve critical challenges in astronomical infrastructure maintenance, highlighting methodological transfers between structural engineering and radio astronomy.

Theresa contributes significantly to TUM's educational mission through direct teaching engagement:

• Lead instructor for Main Surveying Exercise (Bachelor Geodesy)
• Conducts Surveying 1 & 2 exercises (Bachelor level)
• Supervises Master's projects on Geodetic Fundamental Stations monitoring

Within TUM's Geodetic Testing Laboratory ecosystem, she collaborates on calibration, monitoring, and appraisal services that support both academic research and external contracts, ensuring measurement accuracy for engineering and scientific applications.