Frontmatter I

Abstract

GIS as a technology has come a long way, from the early adoption of technical wizardry to the ubiquitous, if unconscious use by the masses. The creation of the GISociety is on its way through technological development, theoretical and empirical scientific research and inclusion of technology into education with increasing pedagogical justification. Defining new dimensions of hard- and software, brainware and orgware are all needed to further develop the GISociety. The Geoinformatics Forum (www.gi-forum.org) held in Salzburg from July 2-5, 2013, links into these research areas. We are pleased to present work by researchers who actively contribute to the creation of the GISociety in theoretical, technical, and educational terms. This reflects that a GISociety can only be created though close interaction among the domains of science, technology and education. Topics of the 2013 proceedings therefore include: • Advances in Geographic Information Science and Geographic Information Technology • Spatial Citizenship • Education for Digital Earth • Ecosystem and Biodiversity Monitoring: Best Practice in Europe and Globally (EO4Hab) The book is aimed at researchers and practioners in the field geoinformation with an academic, industrial or educational background. Work on this publication has been co-funded by the following projects and networks funded by the European commission: LLP-Comenius multilateral project SPACIT (517908-LLP-2011-1-AT-COMENIUS-CMP) LLP-Comenius network digital-earth.eu (510010-LLP-1-2010-1-AT -COMENIUS-CNW) FP7-SPACE project MS.MONINA (FP7-SPA-2010-1-263479) FP7-SPACE project BIO_SOS (FP7-SPA-2010-1-263435)