University of Wuerzburg
The Earth Observation Research Cluster (EORC) brings together satellite- and drone-based Earth observation (EO) research at the Julius-Maximilians University of Wuerzburg (JMU). Thematically, the EORC focuses on the challenges of global change, with key topics including sustainable land management, urbanization, biodiversity, nature conservation, and applied environmental modeling. Methodologically, the emphasis is on analyzing EO data across different spatial and temporal scales (regional, Bavaria-wide, national, and global), using, among other approaches, artificial intelligence techniques.
The EORC stands out for its strong technological expertise in the development and implementation of cloud-based geodata infrastructures (Data Cubes), which are used for the management, analysis, and visualization of EO data—for example, to continuously monitor phenological phenomena.
With its R&D activities, the EORC is deeply integrated into teaching at JMU. In particular, it offers a wide range of courses for students in the international EO master’s program EAGLE, especially within the framework of EO4CAM, focusing on ecological and societal changes in the context of climate change.
In addition to numerous national and international collaborations, the EORC maintains close scientific exchange with the Center for Artificial Intelligence for Data Science in Würzburg via the AI Node Data Science established by the Free State of Bavaria. The EORC has also maintained a close and successful institutional partnership with the DFD/DLR for over 20 years.