The synergy between Geoparks and research facilities provides unique opportunities to promote young researchers and to exchange present state knowledge. In this connection, the Geo-Umweltpark Vogtland and the Faculty of Spatial Information of the University of Applied Science have collaborated on more than 15 projects in recent years.
The research activity includes several areas of geomatics, comprising spatial data analysis, geodata management, adjustment calculations, statistics, and geovisualization. Here, the Geo- Umweltpark Vogtland supports thesis work, seminar papers, and research development projects. Prominent examples are the 3D modeling of the Theuma slate mining, the conception of the geopark trail system, and the cultural heritage visualization of the Falkenstein municipality.
Our example perfectly underscores the fruitful collaboration between science and geoparks. Particularly, the progressive digitalization of geological processes and cultural history, and geological and hydrological mapping are keys to the preservation of our geoheritage.