2006: Road to success

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Tags: Science, winter-2011

Ralf-Dieter Schroers

Ralf-Dieter Schroers, Master of Geographical Information Science

School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management graduate Ralf-Dieter Schroers has mapped out his own road to success.

After completing a Master of Geographic Information Science (GIS) in 2006, Mr Schroers worked for a number of high-profile organisations including the CSIRO.

He is now Director of his own company, Spatial Ventures, and is working as a consultant for projects in Afghanistan and New Caledonia.

In Afghanistan, Mr Schroers is advising the ministries of Rural Development and Agriculture on organisational development, planning, and capacity building.

He has been integrating GIS in existing information systems and teaching national ministry staff spatial analysis skills.

Mr Schroers was also engaged in strengthening the partnership between the Afghan Government and International Security Assistance Force for exchanging of geospatial information.

On the other side of the globe, Mr Schroers’ works with Conservation International is helping to protect the biodiversity of New Caledonia.

Using image analysis and GIS he is responsible for mapping ecosystem services and tracking key areas of biodiversity by applying systematic conservation planning methodologies.

“The skills I obtained through my degree helped significantly,” he said.

“Sound theoretical background and practical work during my study helped me develop concepts, methods and applications that are crucial for my daily work.”

While studying at UQ, Mr Schroers worked with the Department of Natural Resources, and his master’s thesis formed part of a government project mapping agricultural practices using satellite image data.

His thesis concept went on to be presented at an Australasian conference and was published in a textbook on remote sensing.

Mr Schroers hopes to continue with his work in the areas of conservation planning as well as assisting the Ministry of Agriculture in Afghanistan supporting land cover assessments, monitor nomad movements and related impacts on central Afghanistan.

In the future he may also contribute to counter-narcotic activities in Afghanistan’s southern regions.

Another goal is to develop open source GIS client solutions and provide services in the Afghan provinces, after successful trials at the national level. These ideas could also involve further research exploration.

In his spare time, Mr Schroers is a keen motorcyclist and hopes to one day cross the Simpson Desert on his motorcycle.

By Kate Swanson

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