---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1998 12:26:50 -0700
From: Geoffrey Dutton <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Postdoctoral Position in GIS/Cartography, Zurich Switzerland
 
----
Johnny-
Another posting, this time to NSDI-L that MAPS-L folk might be interested in.
Dale
 
 
AGENT: Automated Map Generalization and Derivation of Multi Scale
       Map and Data Products from GIS
=================================================================
 
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER POSITION AVAILABLE
Applications are invited for the position of a Postdoctoral Researcher
within a European funded ESPRIT project concerned with the development of
methods and prototypes for the derivation of multi scale map and data
products (map generalization). The position starts 1 December 1998 or as
early as possible. It will be for an initial duration of one year, with an
option for a second year.
 
SCREENING OF APPLICATIONS STARTS 21 SEPTEMBER 1998 AND CONTINUES UNTIL
FILLED. EMAIL APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED. SEE LAST PARAGRAPH FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
 
PROJECT OVERVIEW
In response to industrial needs, the AGENT project aims to develop
expertise, techniques and research prototypes for automated cartographic
generalisation systems as part of the visualisation functionality of
Geographical Information Systems (GIS), using a variety of algorithmic,
object-oriented, and multi-agent methods. The work is in anticipation of
the growing use of the Internet for the query and retrieval of geographical
information, the challenges of data integration, and the development of
single detailed databases. In this context, it is anticipated that the
AGENT project will significantly facilitate the creation of topographic and
thematic multi scaled products in a timely manner using self evaluating map
generalization techniques. In addition to a deeper understanding of
methodological issues in automated cartography, the ideas and developments
are implemented within the rigours of an object-oriented, commercial GIS
system.
 
CONSORTIUM PARTNERS
The research is innovative and interdisciplinary, and is being undertaken
by a consortium of universities, a GIS vendor, and a national mapping
agency (NMA) who have expertise in this area. The consortium is comprised
by the Institut Géographique National (IGN; the French NMA), the Institut
National Polytéchnique de Grenoble (INPG), the Geography Departments of the
University of Zurich and University of Edinburgh, and Laser-Scan Ltd. of
Cambridge.
 
RESEARCH GROUP
At the University of Zurich, the core group concentrating on map
generalization research (three PhD students plus the vacant postdoctoral
position) forms part of the Spatial Data Handling Division, which presently
comprises 2 faculty members, 12 PhD students, 18 MSc students, and several
postgraduate members of staff. The Division exists since 1982 and primarily
focuses on research in cartographic visualization and generalization,
digital terrain modeling, GIS in environmental modeling, and socio-economic
GIS applications. The Division is part of the Department of Geography,
which also includes divisions in remote sensing (2), physical geography,
human geography, and economic geography. For more information, see
http://www.geo.unizh.ch/
 
CANDIDATE QUALITIES
It is expected that the candidate will:
o  undertake fundamental research specific to Zurich's contribution
   (analysis of constraints to generalization, design and
   implementation of generalization algorithms and evaluation
   measures/methods)
o  become fully conversant with the technologies being used to conduct
   the project
o  support the collective effort through the sharing and critiquing of
   ideas
o  formulate and submit reports to the partners and Advisory Board
o  author joint papers for publication in refereed journals
 
The successful candidate has the following qualities:
o  PhD degree in an area relevant to GIS and digital cartography
o  knowledge of cartography and map generalization and/or the keen
   interest to learn more about it
o  very good programming skills (OO techniques an advantage) and sound
   knowledge of information systems, including UNIX (Solaris) and
   internet programming tools
o  knowledge of practical AI techniques a plus
o  good knowledge of computer graphics and computational geometry
o  fluency in English (both written and spoken); knowledge of German
   and/or French a strong asset
o  publication record in a research domain relevant to the project
o  willingness to collaborate with other team and consortium members;
o  enthusiasm for scientific research
o  demonstrated organizational skills
 
PARTICULARS
o  AGENT started 1 December 1997. The position will extend through
   years 2 and 3 of the three year project. Shorter duration is
   negociable.
o  AGENT and a closely related Swiss NSF project fund three PhD
   students. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to help advising
   these students as well as MSc students with related interests.
o  Preference will be given to PhDs but highly qualified and
   experienced postgraduate researchers without PhD degree (ABDs) will
   also be considered. Note, however, that this position is NOT
   intended to be a PhD student position.
o  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
 
INQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS
Informal inquiries, which are very welcome, can be made to:
Prof. Dr. Robert Weibel, Department of Geography, University of Zurich,
Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich (Switzerland); fax: +41-1-635 68 48;
[log in to unmask] In the first instance applicants are asked to submit a
copy of their resume, CV, and cover letter (1 copy of each), together with
the names, addresses (incl. email), telephone and fax number of 3 academic
referees.