Toward AI-Ready Urban Digital Twins: A Unified Geospatial Middleware Architecture for the City of Vienna
ABSTRACT. Cities are building digital twins to better understand and manage urban systems, but most current infrastructures focus on visualisation rather than advanced analytics. This paper presents a practical middleware architecture that connects diverse city data through semantic integration and AI-ready workflows. Grounded in Vienna’s digital twin, it offers a scalable framework for smarter urban planning and decision-making.
A Digital Twin–Based Methodology for Identifying Heavy Rainfall Hazard Locations on Motorways
ABSTRACT. Heavy rainfall poses increasing risks to motorway safety, particularly in terrain-embedded sections where external runoff amplifies surface water accumulation. This paper presents a digital twin-based methodology combining high-resolution LiDAR data and hydrological-hydraulic simulation to identify hazard-prone sections. Results show that terrain-driven inflows significantly influence risk formation and can be operationally integrated into C-ITS and DATEX II-based warning systems.
Quantifying Visual Impact of Ski Resort Infrastructure Using Distance-Weighted Viewshed Analysis and VR Validation
ABSTRACT. This study quantifies the visual impact of a proposed ski infrastructure on hiking trails using distance-weighted viewshed analysis. By incorporating distance decay, Trail Visibility Scores were computed and validated using VR simulations. Results show strong correlations between modeled and perceived impacts. This workflow provides a transparent framework for visual impact assessment and demonstrates the potential of VR-based validation to link GIS modeling with perceptual evaluation.
Empirical Estimation of Urban Photovoltaic Potential: Integrating DailyWeather Variability and Directional Scaling in Salzburg, Austria
ABSTRACT. Standard solar cadasters often lack local weather accuracy. This study presents a GIS-based directional scaling factor
(DSF) method to assess 2024 rooftop photovoltaic (PV) potential in Salzburg, Austria. Combining empirical
data (995 kWh/kWp) with urban roof geometry data, the model estimates a theoretical energy output of 392 GWh/year. Validated
against municipal baselines, results show rooftop PV could theoretically meet 130% of Salzburg’s residential electricity demand.
Mapping Indoor Sounds as Potential Landmarks for Auditory Wayfinding
ABSTRACT. Landmarks are essential for human navigation, and while researchers extensively studied visual landmarks, auditory landmarks remain largely unexplored. We systematically map a total of 248 indoor sounds across three university campus buildings and develop a two-level taxonomy, identifying 11 sound classes with their respective subclasses. The results show indoor sounds can be systematically mapped and characterised, providing a novel dataset for supporting auditory wayfinding.
Modelling exposure of hiking trails to assess potential glacier retreat impact
ABSTRACT. Glacier retreat affects the trails and huts in the high mountain regions in Austria. To support alpine associations in their mitigation and adaptation measures, we model exposure of the trail network by integrating criteria of trail usage and maintenance derived from available attributes and ancillary data. We integrate the resulting exposure map with a preliminary hazard map based on slope deformation rates originating from InSAR analysis of Sentinel-1 data, thus modelling potential impact.
Designing a Decision-Support Framework for EO-based Landslide Information
ABSTRACT. Landslides often disrupt access and services in humanitarian operations, yet their integration into routine Earth Observation workflows is limited. This work introduces a scenario‑based decision‑support framework from the LEONA project, guiding how landslide‑related EO resources are selected for different MSF operational contexts. It organizes tools and datasets by urgency, information needs, and processing effort to enable more consistent, context‑aware use of landslide information.
Assessment of Forest Degradation from Sentinel-2 Time-Series Data in two African Countries
ABSTRACT. This study enhances forest degradation detection by integrating Sentinel-2 time series analysis (TSA) using the Kalman filter/CUSUM approach in two Africa countries in support of the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR). Results show an OA of 83.5% and 69.3% resp. in contrast to an existing degradation product with an OA below 60% for both sites. The results highlight the potential of advanced Sentinel-2 TSA for detecting subtle forest changes, thus supporting effective monitoring under EUDR.
Spatio-temporal Monitoring of Mangrove Structural and Functional Dynamics Using an Integrated Remote Sensing Framework: Evidence from the Indian Sundarbans
ABSTRACT. Mangroves are critical coastal ecosystems threatened by rising sea levels, salinity intrusion and cyclones. This study proposes and develops an integrated geospatial framework by utilizing CMRI and NDCI to monitor structural and physiological dynamics of mangroves respectively in Indian Sundarbans from 2016-2025 using Sentinel-2 in Google Earth Engine. Results reveal seasonal stress, recovery patterns and temporal behavior which supports long-term monitoring, conservation and restoration.
ABSTRACT. Community forests in West Africa remain poorly monitored due to limited data. This study applies a machine learning geospatial approach using multi-temporal Landsat imagery (2021–2023) to analyse forest dynamics in the Iko Esai Community Forest, Nigeria. A Random Forest classifier and NDVI were used to detect change, achieving high accuracy (>97%). Results show localized deforestation and regeneration, highlighting both anthropogenic pressure and recovery potential.
ABSTRACT. Vegetation phenology is widely recognized as a sensitive indicator of climate variability and environmental change, particularly in temperate forest ecosystems where temperature and the availability of water strongly influences seasonal vegetation development. This study investigates forest phenology dynamics and their relationship with temperature variability using Sentinel-2 NDVI time series in the Białowieża Biosphere Reserve, one of the last remaining primeval forest ecosystems in Europe.
Empowering Urban Climate Adaptation: Interactive Planning with the SpongeCity Earth Observation Toolbox
ABSTRACT. Discover the SpongeCity Toolbox (spongecity.zgis.at), an intuitive, web-native Earth Observation platform designed to help municipalities and planners combat urban climate threats. This workshop demonstrates how to easily analyze urban heat islands, green spaces, and water dynamics directly in your browser—without needing deep technical expertise. Join us to explore how accessible satellite data can democratize and empower your climate adaptation, risk management, and urban planning.
Cities in Motion – Visualizing Real-Time Transit with Unity and the ArcGIS Maps SDK
ABSTRACT. What if you could watch a city’s buses and trains move through a 3D scene almost live? In this workshop, we use Unity and the ESRI ArcGIS Maps SDK for Unity to combine real-time 3D visuals with geospatial data and build a live public transport visualization from real-world position data. Along the way, we cover Unity basics, ArcGIS Maps SDK features, and build the app step by step. Everyone also receives a Workshop Playbook to recreate the project later.
PyroScout: Near-Realtime-Erkennung von Waldbrand-Hotspots durch UAV-gestützte Wärmebildanalyse
ABSTRACT. PyroScout ist ein drohnenbasiertes System zur frühzeitigen Detektion von Waldbrand-Hotspots mittels thermischer Fernerkundung und cloudbasierter Analyse. Wärmebilddaten werden in nahezu Echtzeit verarbeitet, um potenzielle Brandherde präzise zu lokalisieren und visuell darzustellen. Feldtests zeigen eine zuverlässige Erkennung kleiner Wärmequellen und unterstreichen das Potenzial für Frühdetektion und Brandwache.
Satellitenbasierte Schätzung von Ertrags- und Qualitätsdynamiken für das österreichische Grünland – von der Forschung zur operationellen GIS-Applikation
ABSTRACT. Im Projekt SatGrass wurde ein integrierter Modellansatz für Grünlandmanagement entwickelt, der Erdbeobachtungs-, Wetter- und Ground-Truth-Daten kombiniert. Mit robuste Modellen zur Schätzung von Vegetationsbeginn, Schnittzeitpunkt und Trockenmasseertrag sowie Rohproteingehalt wurde eine operative Web-Applikation entwickelt, die zeigt, wie GIS, Fernerkundung und KI zu einem Entscheidungsinstrument für landwirtschaftliche Betriebe, Beratung und Agrarpolitik zusammengeführt werden kann.
Fernerkundungsbasierte Bewertung der hydrologischen Resilienz alpiner Schutzhütten: Ein skalierbarer GIS-Workflow am Beispiel der Neuen Prager Hütte
ABSTRACT. Diese Arbeit stellt einen fernerkundungsbasierten GIS-Workflow zur Bewertung der hydrologischen Resilienz alpiner Schutzhütten vor. Am Standort der Neuen Prager Hütte (2.796 m) werden automatisierte Einzugsgebietsmodellierung (GRASS GIS), Sentinel-2-basierte Schneebedeckungsanalyse und SPARTACUS-Niederschlagsdaten kombiniert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine kritische Versorgungslage ab Juli. Der Workflow ist auf offene Geodaten beschränkt und auf weitere Standorte skalierbar.
Hitzetagsimulationen auf Basis von Airborne Laserscanning-Daten
ABSTRACT. Die Firma Laserdata GmbH aus Innsbruck bietet Hitzetagsimulationen auf Basis von Airborne Laserscanning-Daten als neuartige Dienstleistung an. Über Punktwolkenaufbereitungen, Aufbau von dichtebasierten Vegetationsvoxeln, Einzelbaumsegmentierung und Einstrahlungssimulationen entstehen GIS-fähige Kartenlayer für Kommunen und Regionen. Diese können so die Schattenleistung ihrer Bäume quantitativ bewerten und als wirksame Klimaanpassungsinstrumente gezielt managen.
Developing a Dashboard on Climate Impact Data for Central Europe – the Project Climate_CRICES
ABSTRACT. Heat, drought and flooding as well as the impact on biodiversity are the most important phenomena detected across the Central European regions according to the recent reports of the IPCC. Huge quantities of environmental, water and meteorological data both available within the public institutions and from unprecedented sources of data (e.g. earth observation data), are not being fully exploited for reliable climate change impact plans. To support adaptation efforts, a dashboard is developed.
Towards Behaviorally Informed GeoAI for Spatial Decision‑Making
ABSTRACT. Current research and applications in the geo-domain increasingly rely on GeoAI and geospatial foundation models. Yet, these models typically ignore human aspects such as preferences, abilities, or behavior differences. Behaviorally informed GeoAI will account for human aspects to make humane decisions and predictions.
Analysis of demand-oriented barrier-free tourism mobility
ABSTRACT. Tourism is a cornerstone of Austria’s economy, yet rising visitor numbers increase pressure through overtourism, traffic,
and emissions. Advancing alternative mobility is essential, with barrier-free access playing a key role. Infrastructure and
services must address barriers and optimize travel chains to enable inclusive and eco-friendly travel. This paper presents two
approaches to generate evidence-based data supporting the development of accessible, demand-oriented public transport.
MobiML: Accelerating Machine Learning Workflows for Trajectory Data in Mobility Data Science
ABSTRACT. This work presents MobiML, a modular Python library designed to streamline the development of machine learning workflows for trajectory data. MobiML introduces a set of reusable, mobility-aware building blocks that explicitly incorporate spatial and temporal dependencies, thereby reducing development complexity and improving reproducibility.
Shadow modeling for routing applications: an adaptable GIS-based approach
ABSTRACT. Methods to maintain physical activity during hot temperatures become increasingly relevant as global warming progresses. Comfort can be increased by promoting active mobility through identifying cooler, shaded routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Within our research we created a workflow based on open data sources for the generation of a shadow model that can be included into a routing-capable network graph.
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As the easychair system does not allow me to submit my valid, unformatted abstract in this field, I am therefore submitting it as pdf.
ABSTRACT. This paper presents a locally calibrated Bikeability Index for Brno (Czechia) based on the open-source HeiGIT workflow using a hexagonal grid and OpenStreetMap data. The model applies linear normalisation with local reference values, an experimentally calibrated weighting scheme, and integration of high-resolution topography. Results show strong spatial polarisation (mean 1.73/10), reflecting limited infrastructure coverage rather than methodological bias.
Early Warning System for Disruptions in Global Maritime Supply Chains: A Graph-Based Approach
ABSTRACT. This research presents a network‑aware early warning approach for maritime logistics disruptions. By combining operational signals with graph‑based machine learning, the model detects anomalies in port‑to‑port routes and distinguishes isolated issues from emerging systemic risks, supporting more timely and informed resilience decisions.
User Workshop on Thermal Data – Methods, Calibration and User Applications
ABSTRACT. We propose a user workshop to present results and methods from the PROMETHEUS project, which analyzes high-resolution thermal data for Klagenfurt. The project improves temperature retrieval accuracy using the Graz method and AI techniques.The workshop is designed for mixed audiences of users and researchers and will discuss the calibration workflow and application potential of accurately calibrated surface temperature. The session also aims to foster dialogue between users and researchers.
Anwendungsbeispiele von OpenLayers in Web-Applikationen
ABSTRACT. OpenLayers ist ein Open Source Projekt zur Darstellung und Verarbeitung räumlicher Informationen im Web. Von einfachen interaktiven Karten auf Basis von OpenStreetMap bis zu komplexen Arbeitsabläufen macht OpenLayers alles mit.
In diesem Workshop zeigen wir live anhand konkreter Applikationen, wofür OpenLayers verwendet werden kann. Einfache Beispiele können Sie selbst auf Ihrem Laptop direkt im Browser ansehen und bearbeiten, um selbst ein Gefühl für die Umsetzung eigener Ideen zu bekommen.
The RIEGL VZ-i Series – Redefining Efficiency in Laser Scanning
ABSTRACT. The RIEGL VZ-i series scanners, including the VZ-600i, combine high-speed, accurate point cloud acquisition with on-board apps for real-time monitoring, kinematic scanning, and custom Python functionalities. Coupled with RiSCAN PRO software and specialized plugins, they enable advanced analyses in forestry, geotechnics, and construction. A 75-minute workshop demonstrates these capabilities for professionals seeking efficient, high-value 3D data solutions.
Fitness for purpose of OpenStreetMap for land-use/land-cover monitoring in Germany: Evaluating Completeness, Currentness and Thematic Accuracy
ABSTRACT. In Germany official land use land cover monitoring is currently based on a mix of information from earth observation products and ordnance survey maps. This study investigates the potential of land use information from OpenStreetMap to supplement the official data set. Our focus is thereby on completeness, currentness and thematic accuracy against the administrative land-use/land-cover product. User activity is used as an additional indicator.
A Serious Game for Combinatorial Aspects of Disasters
ABSTRACT. In this paper, we present a serious game in the form of a physical board game designed to showcase the impact of different combinatorial parameters of disaster scenarios and to support various stakeholders and the general public in understanding their effects and resulting implications with regard to disaster relief efforts in a non-traditional learning setting.
The u3Green Model: Participation, geomedia and young people
ABSTRACT. Based on the example of the project u3Green, this presentation highligths and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the involvement of young people in participatory project initiatives, also considering the use of geomedia (i.e. corresponding online geoinformatics tools) by school students (as lay people) in the context of different participation formats like workshops and internships.
ABSTRACT. An AI-based tutoring system is being developed to assist learners in analyzing complex Earth observation data in geography education. Using a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architecture, the assistant provides adaptive, process-oriented feedback to reduce cognitive load. Planned intervention studies will investigate its impact on subject-specific understanding and problem-solving strategies, while also analyzing potential risks such as automation bias.
Neu und doch gut verankert: die Entwicklung eines Studienangebots an der Schnittstelle von Geo(infor)matik und Data Science an der Hochschule Karlsruhe
ABSTRACT. Der Beitrag zeigt, wie eine Hochschule ihre Geo(infor)matik-Ausbildung durch kooperative Entwicklungsformate transformiert: mit einer neuen Bachelorperspektive, einer adaptierten Masterausrichtung und einer fakultätsübergreifenden Struktur, die Informatik, Data Science und raumbezogene Fachexpertise zusammenführt. Dabei geht es um strategische Leitentscheidungen, curriculare Architektur und eine Antwort auf die Frage, wie Geo(infor)matik als Studien- und Berufsfeld neu positioniert werden kann.
Young People in Place: A Participatory Transnational Civis Open Lab
ABSTRACT. We present the conceptual framing and initial findings of a transnational project on young people's experiences in the city. Three case studies using participatory methodologies are described, in Salzburg, Madrid and Maputo. We draw from these cases to argue in favor of geo-spatial approaches to socio-educational interventions.
Using geospatial measurements to quantify leakage from sand dams and inform climate adaptation
ABSTRACT. Sand dams are concrete walls constructed across seasonal rivers in semi arid areas. They aim to trap sediment and water behind them, providing a reliable supply of water for communities to use through the dry season. By measuring how water levels vary geospatially and over time, we can try to understand whether the water is being stored or infiltrating into the aquifer below. The results from Kenya revealed that both scenarios are occurring.
Mapping Urban Cooling Inefficiency Hotspots in the Dhaka Region Using Deep Learning and Landsat-Derived Indicators
ABSTRACT. Urban areas in rapidly developing countries are facing an extensive temperature increase due to the loss of vegetation and expansion of impervious surfaces. This altered the local microclimates while reducing the effectiveness of natural cooling mechanisms and making heat mitigation an urgent planning priority. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the most densely populated and fast-growing cities in the world...
ABSTRACT. Mining subsidence in the Bogdanka coal mine—reaching three meters—intensifies runoff and local flood hazards in low‑gradient terrain. Using high‑resolution LiDAR DEMs and SCS‑CN runoff modelling, we quantified runoff changes during extreme precipitation in 2018 and 2024. Runoff increased by up to 12.6% in maximally subsiding zones, while reference areas showed minimal change, demonstrating the value of integrating terrain deformation into flood‑risk assessment.
ABSTRACT. Glacial lakes in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan pose growing hazards as glaciers retreat. This study presents a workflow combining Sentinel-2 NDWI monitoring with RAMMS debris flow modelling for GLOF hazard assessment. For Zyndan-western, the 2024 outburst cycle was documented and a hazard zone delineated. For Takyrtor, satellite detection in June 2025 triggered emergency response before the 27 June outburst. Using freely available data, the workflow supports automated GLOF early warning in the Tien Shan.
From open landscapes to urban green: a long-term perspective on green space transformation in Krakow
ABSTRACT. This study analyses nearly 180 years of green space transformation in Kraków. Using historical cadastral and fortress maps combined with modern GIS data (Sentinel-2, BDOT10k), we reconstructed land cover changes. Early 20th-century landscapes were dominated by agriculture, with forests covering only 4.5%. Urban expansion led to agricultural loss but increased tree-covered areas to over 11%. Results support urban planning by identifying areas crucial for long-term green infrastructure continuity.
Democratizing GIS: Exploring SLMs for non-expert GIS analysis in climate adaptation planning
ABSTRACT. Geospatial data is indispensable for evidence-based climate adaptation planning, yet GIS analysis remains largely inaccessible to non-expert decision-makers. This pitch presents my current research on leveraging small language models (SLMs) to enable natural language-based access to heterogeneous geodata. Prioritising technological sovereignty and a transdisciplinary design approach, the work aims to accelerate practical application across diverse use cases, e.g. urban vegetation analysis.
Landschaften im Wandel - Vegetationsveränderung anhand von automatisierten Sentinel-2 Analysen
ABSTRACT. Der GTIME-Abschlussworkshop zeigt Vegetationsdynamiken der letzten 10 Jahre in ganz Österreich, basierend auf Sentinel-2. Im Fokus stehen Veränderungslayer, die kurz- und langfristige Prozesse durch multitemporale Darstellungen sichtbar machen. Diese gebrauchsfertigen Layer aus dem semantischen EO-Data Cube ermöglichen neue Einblicke und sind in bestehende Workflows (u.a. durch WMS) integrierbar. Im Workshop werden die Layer und die daraus resultierenden Ergebnisse präsentiert und diskutiert.
ABSTRACT. In dieser Präsentation geben wir einen ganz kurzen Überblick über Web-Anwendungen, die wir bei w3geo entwickeln. Wir zeigen, wie wir geographische Informationen leicht verständlich und effizient darstellen, und welche Ansätze wir für Arbeitsabläufe zum Erfassen und Editieren räumlicher Sachverhalte wir entwickelt haben.
Alle unsere Lösungen sind maßgeschneidert und dank Web-Technologien und 100% Open Source Komponenten (z.B. OpenLayers für Karten) frei von versteckten Kosten und Vendor Lock-In.
EODC: providing cloud native geo data access via ACube
ABSTRACT. The Austrian Data Cube (ACube) is a service offering to consume a number of different geospatial data collections. This presentation gives an overview of its cloud-native setup, with a focus on using Zarr for efficient and scalable data access. By working with chunked, analysis-ready datasets directly in object storage, ACube allows parallel processing without large downloads, making geospatial workflows faster, more flexible, and easier to reproduce.
ABSTRACT. We are creating a unified WebGIS platform to register and manage brownfield sites, promoting reuse of underutilized, degraded urban areas. The system offers a public map with parcel data, search tools, and thematic layers. Future developments include municipal editing, official validation, monitoring features, and AI support for decision-making.
User Oriented Solutions from Space for Sustainable Urban Planning
ABSTRACT. User-oriented space data applications are transforming sustainable urban planning. The Vienna Geospace Hub connects stakeholders to turn Copernicus earth observation data into actionable solutions from space. Monitoring infrastructure, vegetation and micro climate to enabling data-driven decision-making. Projects are co-designed with public administrations to enable the integration of geo-solutions into operating systems.
EONavi application – Supporting cross-country movement using traversability maps derived from ESA Sentinel-2, ESA digital elevation models and OpenStreetMap data
ABSTRACT. EONavi intends to demonstrate a (semi-) automated workflow to calculate traversability maps supporting terrain assessment
for cross-country movement (CCM). The main goal was to calculate traversability maps for different vehicle types and any
global area of operation in a matter of minutes. Data collection was focused on globally available data sets like ESA Coper-
nicus satellite data (Sentinel-1/2, DEM) and OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. Finally, the workflow was shown in a web application.
Workshop "FME - Spend more time using data, and less time fighting it"
ABSTRACT. FME, originally known since the 1990s as a powerful ETL tool for converting and transforming geodata between formats, has evolved into a comprehensive enterprise data integration platform. With support for 600+ formats and systems, it enables automated data workflows and system connectivity. The workshop shows how to maximize FME to spend more time using data and less time managing it.