company profile

company profile

The scilands GmbH...

...combines geographical and geoecological landscape analysis with modern, computer-aided techniques and develops individual and practice-oriented solutions to landscape-related and geoscientific questions for you. At scilands GmbH, the integration of current research results from science and knowledge of practical problems form a synthesis for your benefit. We help you with your tasks, be it large-scale mapping and landscape assessments, the development of geoscientific information systems, simulations of landscape-ecologically relevant processes or other tasks in the context of geodata.

On the one hand, we use generally established, computer-aided methods, such as GIS or image processing, and on the other hand, we offer innovative solutions for landscape analysis that are based on our own development work or are developed in cooperation with geoscientific research institutions and universities.

We have more than 20 years of experience in evaluating digital terrain models. For this purpose and to solve landscape ecological issues, we use the GIS software SAGA (System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses), developed in collaboration with the Geographical Institute of the University of Hamburg. SAGA offers possibilities that you will look for in vain in conventional software.

Managing Directors: Dipl. Geogr. Michael Bock and Dipl. Geogr. Rüdiger Köthe

team

Rüdiger Köthe, graduate geographer
Managing Director, main responsible for the processing of digital terrain models and terrain analysis/terrain classification
In-depth experience with digital terrain models and terrain analysis since 1987 (diploma thesis), programming experience since 1983 (Fortran, Pascal, C, C++), development of the “SARA” program for terrain analysis/terrain classification (DFG project 1989-1993), since 1995 further development of terrain analysis/terrain classification based on the open source GIS SAGA (programming of approx. 120 SAGA modules), in-depth knowledge in the fields of geomorphology, soil mapping, geology, hydrology, geoecology, cartography and geoinformatics.

Michael Bock, graduate geographer
Managing Director, focus on GIS automation and processing of digital terrain models and terrain analysis/terrain classification
Profound experience with digital terrain models and terrain analysis since 1996 (diploma thesis), application of GIS systems (open source GIS SAGA and QGIS as well as ArcGIS) for digital terrain analysis, modeling of soil parameters, process modeling (erosion, weathering, run-off) in combination with climate and climate model data, in-depth knowledge in the fields of geomorphology, soil mapping, geology, geoecology, cartography and geoinformatics, GIS automation and scripting in Python.
Bock, M., Conrad, O., Günther, A., Gehrung, E., Baritz, R. & Böhner, J. (2018): SaLEM (v1.0) - the Soil and Landscape Evolution Model (SaLEM) for simulation of regolith depth in periglacial environments. Geosci. Model Dev., 11, 1641–1652

Dr. Jan-A. Wehberg, graduate biologist
Research Assistant
Extensive experience in processing digital geodata for climate models at scilands GmbH and the University of Hamburg, Institute of Geography. Since 2000, extensive experience in using GIS systems (SAGA and QGIS as well as ArcGIS) and remote sensing methods. Extensive knowledge in the areas of regionalization and parameterization, with a further focus on vegetation ecology and soil science. Extensive programming and IT knowledge: Python, R, Bash, CDO, NCO.

Justus Spitzmüller, cand. B.Sc. Geography

Developer
SAGA GIS developer. Author of numerous engineering geological tools from the SAGA library ISEG as well as development, maintenance and servicing of the company's internal SAGA tool libraries and experience in porting legacy systems. Extensive programming and IT knowledge: C++, multi-platform build systems (CMake), Bash, Python and Linux administration.

Frederik Graaf, B.Sc. Geography
Developer
Knowledge of Python programming and GIS automation. Knowledge of C programming. Working with various GIS systems (QGIS, SAGA, ArcGIS) since 2016. Expertise in bioclimatology, geomorphology and cartography.

Christian Czech, M.Sc. Resource Analysis and Management
Developer, freelancer

Focus on GIS automation, data analysis and machine learning. Work with digital terrain models and optical remote sensing data in various geographic information systems (SAGA, Q-GIS, ArcGIS). Programming experience in Python and R. Expertise in the areas of bioclimatology, geomorphology, soil mapping.

Simon Holstein, B.Sc. Geography & BA Philosophy/History
Student Assistant
Responsible for the graphical representation of results and the creation of automated solutions to questions using Python. In addition, experience with Java, R and the geoinformation systems QGIS, SAGA and ArcGIS.

Alin Villiger, B.Sc. Geographie, cand. M.Sc. Landscape Sciences
Student Employee
Expert knowledge in soil science, landscape genesis, and geodata processing. Experience in soil mapping and the use of GIS (SAGA, ArcGIS, and QGIS) in modelling landscape processes and parameters. Programming experience in Python for automating GIS processes. Graphical representation of process chains and maps.

Stephan Melms, graduate geographer
Associate freelance soil scientist
Large and medium-scale soil mapping, moorland mapping, soil condition surveys I-III, forest soil inventories, translation procedures for old data into current nomenclatures, interpretation of soil data according to KA3 to KA6, WRB, forest site procedures and soil assessment. Teaching assignments for HAWK and UNI Göttingen as well as the Ilia University Tbilisi
Soil sampling, soil function assessments, soil-related construction support, practice-oriented soil regionalization. Collaboration in the DBG's Humus Forms Working Group, member of the BVB, AfSV and the DGMT.
www.dipl-geograph-stephan-melms.de

competencies

Scientific and computer-related work in the field of physical geography or landscape analysis and its neighbouring disciplines (e.g. geomorphology, soil science, remote sensing, climatology, geology, hydrology, botany and cartography)

Programming (C, C++, Python, also FORTRAN and Pascal) on the operating systems MS-Windows, Linux and VMS

Process and software development, especially in the field of automatic terrain analysis and grid-oriented regionalization of geoscientific information

Geographical information systems (especially SAGA, QGIS, GRASS, IDRISI)

Graphic data processing (including image processing)

Training and education in the field of physical geography and geoinformatics

Implementation of projects and cooperation with federal authorities, state geological offices, state surveying offices, university institutes, research institutions, planning offices, etc.

Scientific publications, lectures and presentations (e.g. at trade fairs and conferences)

publications

Pertl, C. & M. Bock (2024): Kleineulen und Fichtensterben – was passiert? Vogelkdl. Ber. Niedersachs. 50: 463–474Wehberg, J.-A., & Böhner, J. (2023): Hochaufgelöste Klimaprojektionen für Deutschland. Forstliche Forschungsberichte München, 224, 69-78

Wehberg, J.-A., & Böhner, J. (2023): Hochaufgelöste Klimaprojektionen für Deutschland. Forstliche Forschungsberichte München, 224, 69-78.

Wendland, S., Hankers, B., Bock, M., Böhner, J., Squar, J., Lembrich, J. & Conrad, O. (2023): Ein Simulationsmodell zur Erfassung von Abflussrisiken in der Landwirtschaft. Informatik Spektrum 46, 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00287-023-01522-2

Weis, W., Wellpott, A., Falk, W., Wehberg, J.-A. & Böhner, J. (2022): Klimawandel und der Wasserhaushalt unserer Wälder. AFZ-DerWald 15/2022: 12-16.

Ahrends B., Schmitz A., Prescher A.-K., Wehberg J., Geupel M., Andreae H. & Meesenburg H. (2020): Comparison of Methods for the Estimation of Total Inorganic Nitrogen Deposition to Forests in Germany. Front. For. Glob. Change 3:103, https://doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2020.00103.

Hallas, T., Puhlmann, H., Wehberg, J. & Conrad, O. (2020): Development of an operational early warning system to enhance bark beetle risk management – Application of soil water balance models to assess the drought-stress induced disposition of spruce forests to bark beetle infestations. EGU General Assembly. Wien, Mai 2020. DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-18323

Wehberg, J., Kilian, M., Conrad, O. & Böhner, J (2020): Die digitale Jagd auf den Borkenkäfer. AFZ-DerWald 18/2020: 29-31.

Dietrich, H., Wolf, T., Kawohl, T., Wehberg, J., Kändler, G., Mette, T., Röder, A. & Böhner, J. (2019): Temporal and spatial high-resolution climate data from 1961 to 2100 for the German National Forest Inventory (NFI). Annals of Forest Science 76, 6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-018-0788-5

Bock, M., Conrad, O., Günther, A., Gehrt, E., Baritz, R. and Böhner, J. (2018): SaLEM (v1.0) – the Soil and Landscape Evolution Model (SaLEM) for simulation of regolith depth in periglacial environments. Geosci. Model Dev., 11, 1641–1652, 2018.

Kawohl, T., Dietrich, H., Wehberg, J., Böhner, J., Wolf, T. & Röder, A. (2017): Das Klima in 80 Jahren – Wein- statt Waldbau? – AFZ-Der Wald 15: 32-35.

Wehberg, J. (2016): Ökozonen der Erde – Exkursion in die Schaugewächshäuser in Planten un Blomen, Hamburg. In: Schickhoff, U. (Hrsg.): Biogeographie und Biodiversität – Hamburger Symposium Geographie, Band 8: 101-111.

Weinzierl, T., Wehberg, J., Böhner, J. & Conrad, O. (2016): Spatial Assessment of Land Degradation Risk for the Okavango River Catchment, Southern Africa. – Land Degradation & Development 27 (2): 281-294, doi:10.1002/ldr.2426.

Wendland, S., Bock, M., Böhner, J., Feise, D. & Lembrich, D. (2016): Towards the development of a GIS based Diagnosis-Tool for the spatially-explicit assessment of runoff and erosion risks on agricultural fields. – Geo-Öko 37 (3-4): 139-164.

Conrad, O., Bechtel, B., Bock, M., Dietrich, H., Fischer, E., Gerlitz, L., Wehberg, J., Wichmann, V., and Böhner, J. (2015): System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses (SAGA) v. 2.1.4. – Geosci. Model Dev., 8, 1991-2007.

Helbig, H. & Schmidt, S. & Köthe, R. (2015): Gefährdung von Autobahnen durch Wassererosion in Sachsen-Anhalt. - Straße und Autobahn, 12/2015: 851-860.

Wendland, S., Bock, M., Böhner, J. & Lembrich, D. (2015): Modeling diffuse sources of surface water contamination with plant protection products. – Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 17: EGU2015-10762.

Böhner, J., Bock, M., Selige, T. & Köthe, R. (2014): Geographical Information Systems – Applications to Soils. – In: Elias, S.A. (Ed): Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier Inc., doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.09107-7.

Köthe, R. (2014): Digitale Geländemodelle aus Laserscanndaten - neue Herausforderungen und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in den Geowissenschaften. - Hallesches Jahrbuch der Geowissenschaften, 34: 3-10; Halle.

Wehberg, J., Weinzierl, T. & Conrad, O. (2014): The Core-Site Approach of “The Future Okavango – TFO”. Zentralblatt für Geologie und Paläontologie, Teil I. 01/2014: 339–349.

Weinzierl, T., Conrad, O., Böhner. J. & Wehberg, J. (2014): Räumliche Interpolation von Klimamodelldaten im Einzugsgebiet des Okavango-Flusses. Zentralblatt für Geologie und Paläontologie, Teil I. 01/2014: 267-290.

Wehberg, J., Bock, M.,Weinzierl, T., Conrad, O., Böhner, J., Stellmes, M. & Landschreiber, L. (2013): Terrain-based Landscape Structure Classification in Relation to Remote Sensing Products and Soil Data for the Okavango Catchment. In: Biodiversity & Ecology 5: 221-233. DOI: 10.7809/b-e.00277

Wehberg, J. & Weinzierl, T. (2013): The Okavango Basin - Physical-geographical Settings. Fact Sheet. In: Biodiversity & Ecology 5

Weinzierl, T., Conrad, O., Böhner, J. & Wehberg, J. (2013): Regionalization of Baseline Climatologies and Time Series for the Okavango Catchment. In: Biodiversity & Ecology 5: 235-245. DOI: 10.7809/b-e.00278

Bock, M., Köthe, R., Schuler, U., Günther, A., Pickert, E., J. Willer, Baritz, R., Zawadzka, J., Mayr, T., Mulder, V. L., Moussadek, R. & van Engelen, V. (2012): Soil and terrain modeling to develop medium to small scale conceptual soil maps. - In: EGU General Assembly 2012, Vienna, 22 April 2012 - 27 April 2012, EGU2012-13025, Wien. download: http://www.zora.uzh.ch/75151/.

Bock, M., Baritz, R. Günther, A., Ringeler, A., Gehrt, E. & Böhner, J. (2011): GIS-Modellierung periglazial beeinflusster Verwitterungsdecken in Mittelgebirgen. In: Böden verstehen - Böden nutzen - Böden fit machen, 3. - 9. September 2011, Berlin. http://eprints.dbges.de/828/ (letzter Zugriff 07/2014)

Köthe, R. & Wurbs, D. (2011): Analyse Geländemodell für die Erosionsbewertung. - Schriftenreihe LfULG, 8/2011, 69 S. Hrsg.: Sächsisches Landesamt für Umwelt, Landwirtschaft und Geologie (LfULG).

Köthe, R. & Bock, M. (2009): Preprocessing of Digital Elevation Models - derived from Laser Scanning and Radar Interferometry - for Terrain Analysis in Geosciences. - Proceedings of Geomorphometry 2009, Zurich Switzerland; 155-161; Zürich.

Wehberg, J. (2009): Collection and evaluation of information for the preparation of a proposal for an international joint research project on climate change, carbon stocks and REDD in Borneo. GTZ Consultancy Report, Kota Kinabalu. unpubl.

Bock, M. & Köthe, R. (2008): Predicting the Depth of hydromorphic Soil Characteristics influenced by Ground Water. – Hamburger Beitr. z. Phys. Geogr. u. Landschaftsökologie, 19: 12:22; Hamburg.

Cyffka, B. & Bock, M. (2008): Degradation of Field Terraces in the Maltese Islands – Reasons, Processes, and Effects. In: Geografia Fisica e Dinamica Quaternaria, vol. 31, pp. 119-128.

Fischer, E., Bock, M. & Gerold, G. (2008): Nutrient in- and output Fluxes of an agroforested Sub-Catchment of the Hana at the border of Tai National Park, Cote d´Ivoire. Hamburger Beiträge zur Physischen Geographie und Landschaftsökologie, 19, 49-58.

Bock, M., Böhner, J., Conrad, O., Köthe, R. & Ringeler, A. (2007): Methods for creating Functional Soil Databases and applying Digital Soil Mapping with SAGA GIS. - In: Hengl, T. et al.(Eds.) Status and prospect of soil information in south-eastern Europe: soil databases, projects and applications. - EUR 22646 EN, 149-163, Scientific and Technical Research series, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities; Luxemburg.

Conrad, O., Krüger, J.P., Bock, M., Gerold, G. & Böhner, J. (2007): Soil Degradation Risk Assessment Integrating Terrain Analysis and Soil Spatial Prediction Methods. GeoOeko 28.

Nilson, E., Köthe, R. & Lehmkuhl, F. (2007): Categorising inconsistencies between national GIS data in Central Europe: Case studies from the country triangle of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. - Applied GIS, 3/10: 21 S.; Melbourne.

Wehberg, J. (2007): Der Fjellbirkenwald in Lappland – Eine Vegetationsökologische Studie. Mitteilungen der Geographischen Gesellschaft in Hamburg 99. 215 Seiten

Wehberg, J. (2007): Der Fjellbirkenwald Nordnorwegens im Zeichen von anthropogener Überformung und Klimawandel. Beitrag zum Tagungsband der Internationalen Naturschutzakademie Vilm. Treffpunkt Biologische Vielfalt VII. Herausgegeben vom Bundesamt für Naturschutz. BfN-Skripten 207: 71-77

Bock, M., Cyffka, B., Hass, F. & Stammel, B. (2006): Remediation of the Danube floodplain between Neuburg and Ingolstadt (Bavaria/Germany) - GIS supported modelling of ecological flooding. - Gött. Geogr. Abh., 115: 1-12; Göttingen.

Kleinschmitt, B., Walentowski, H. Förster, M., Fischer, M., Seitz, R. Kraft, P. Schlutow, A. & Bock, M. (2006): Erfassung von Wald-Lebensraumtypen in FFH-Gebieten. LWF Wissen 51, Freising.

Köthe, R. & Bock, M. (2006): Development and Use in Practice of SAGA Modules for high quality Analysis of Geodata. - Gött. Geogr. Abh. 115: 85-96; Göttingen.

Adler, G.H., Bock, M., Gehrt, E., Köthe, R. & Stegger, U. (2005): Automatisierte Erstellung der digitalen Geomorphographischen Karte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland im Maßstab 1 : 1.000.000 (GMK 1000). - Mitt. DBG, 107/2: 737f.; Oldenburg.

Klinge, M., Böhner, J., Selige, T. & Köthe, R. (2005): Parametrisierung Spät-Quartärer Hangentwicklungen als Grun dlage für die Regionalisierung von Deckschichtverbreitungen und -mächtigkeiten. - Mitt. DBG, 106: 85f.; Oldenburg.

Krug, D., Hagedorn, J., Adler, G.H., Bock, M., Gehrt, E., Köthe, R. & Stegger, U. (2005): Die Geomorphographische Karte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland im Maßstab 1 : 1.000.000 (GMK 1000). - Mitt. DBG, 107/2: 711f.; Oldenburg.

Meier, K.-D., Thannheiser, D. Wehberg, J. & Eisenmann, V. (2005): Soils and nutrients in northern birch forests. In: Wielgolaski, F.E. (ed.) Ecological Studies 180: 19-33. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Thannheiser, D., Tømmervik, H. & Wehberg, J. (2005): The vegetation changes and recent impact on mountain birch forest during the last 40 years. In: Wielgolaski, F.E. (ed.) Ecological Studies 180: 235-253. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Wehberg, J., Thannheiser, D. & Meier, K.-D. (2005): Vegetation of the mountain birch forest in northern Fennoscandia. In: Wielgolaski, F.E. (ed.) Ecological Studies 180: 35-52. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Bock, M. & Köthe, R. (2004): Regionalisierung von Bodenkennwerten zur Ableitung von 'Funktionalen Bodenkonzeptkarten‘. – In: Möller & Helbig (Hrsg.): GIS-gestützte Bewertung von Bodenfunktionen. – S. 35-44; Wichmann Verlag; Heidelberg.

Bock, M. & Köthe, R. (2004): New Concepts and Methods for Creating scale independent, functional Soil Data Base. – 10 S. Vortrags-Skript EUROSOIL 2004.

Böhner, J., Selige, T. & Köthe, R. (2004): Geographical Information Systems: Applications to Soils. – In: Hillel, D.(Ed.): Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment., Vol. 2, 121-129; Oxford.

Wehberg, J. & Thannheiser, D. (2004): Natur- und Kulturlandschaft der westlichen Finnmark. Norden 16: 79-87. Bremen

Bock, M., Köthe, R., Böhner, J. & Gehrt, E. (2003): Quantitative Ansätze zur Bodenregionalisierung – dargestellt am Beispiel von Grundwasserneubildung und Bodenerosion. – DBG Mitt., 102/1: 433-434; Oldenburg.

Böhner, J. & Köthe, R. (2003): Bodenregionalisierung und Prozeßmodellierung: Instrumente für den Bodenschutz. – Peterm. Geogr. Mitt., 147, 2003/3: 72-82; Gotha.

Meier, K.-D., Thannheiser, D. & Wehberg, J. (2003): Der nordnorwegische Fjellbirkenwald im Raum Masi-Kautokeino. Physiogeographische Voraussetzungen und dendrochronologische Merkmale. Norden 15: 179-204. Bremen

Thannheiser, D., Wehberg, J. & Meier, K.-D. (2003): The mountain birch forest of Finnmarksvidda (Norway). In: Thannheiser, D. & Müller-Wille L (eds.): Human interactions with the mountain birch forest ecosystem in northern Fennoscandia. Hamburger Vegetationsgeographische Mitteilungen 17: 57-65. Hamburg

Thannheiser, D., Meier, K.-D. & Wehberg, J. (2003): Klimabedingte und anthropogene Veränderungen im Fjellbirkenwald in Nordnorwegen. Norden 15: 213-220. Bremen

Wehberg, J., Thannheiser, D. & Meier, K.-D. (2003): Vegetation des Fjellbirkenwaldes auf der Finnmarksvidda/Norwegen. Norden 15: 205-211. Bremen

Böhner, J., Köthe, R., Conrad, O., Gross, J., Ringeler, A. & Selige, T. (2002): Soil Regionalisation by Means of Terrain Analysis and Process Parameterisation. - In: Micheli, E., F. Nachtergaele, R. Jones, L. Montanarella (Eds.) Soil Classification 2001. Publication of the European Union, EUR 20398 EN.

Selige, T., Ringeler, A., Böhner, J., Conrad, O. & Köthe, R. (2001): Validation of Grid-Based Surface Reconstruction Techniques Applied to Digital Elevation Models Including the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission. - Proceedings of the International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Vol. VII: 3135-3137, IEEE Publication, Piscataway; N.Y., USA.

Wehberg, J. (2001): Waldgeschichte und Pflanzenverbreitung. Norden 14: 69-83. Bremen

Wehberg, J. (2001): Verbreitung von Anemone nemorosa in historisch alten Wäldern und sekundären Beständen. In: Dreves, A. & D. Thannheiser (eds.): Aktuelle Beiträge der COLECC-Gruppe. Hamburger Vegetationsgeographische Mitteilungen 14: 41-52. Hamburg

Böhner, J., Boess, J, Bombien, H., Capelle, A., Caspers, G., Gehrt, E., Hinze, C., Köthe, R., Müller, U., Oelkers, K.H., Ostmann, U., Sbresny, J., Schneider, J., Sponagel, H., Steninger, A. & Streif, H. (2000): In NLfB (Hrsg.): Ausgabeformen der Flächendatenbank des Niedersächsischen Bodeninformationssystems NIBIS. – Arbeitsh. Boden, 2000/1, 107 S.; Hannover. S. 49-56, Kap. Relief und Klima.

Wehberg, J. (2000): Waldgeschichte und die Auswirkungen auf die Pflanzenwelt in einem südschwedischen Gebiet. Hamburger Vegetationsgeographische Mitteilungen 13. 84 S. Hamburg

Böhner, J., Köthe, R. & Trachinow, C. (1997): Weiterentwicklung der automatischen Reliefanalyse auf der Basis von Digitalen Geländemodellen. - Göttinger Geographische Abhandlungen, 100: 3-21; Göttingen.

Köthe, R., Gehrt, E. & Böhner, J. (1996): Automatische Reliefanalyse für geowissenschaftliche Kartierungen - derzeitiger Stand und Weiterentwicklung des Programms SARA. - Arbeitshefte Geologie, 1/1996: 31-37; Hannover.

Köthe, R. & Lehmeier, F. (1993): SARA - Ein Programmsystem zur Automatischen Relief-Analyse. - Standort - Z. f. Angewandte Geographie, 4/93: 11-21; Köln.

Kleefisch, B. & Köthe, R. (1993): Wege zur rechnergestützten bodenkundlichen Interpretation digitaler Reliefdaten. - Geol. Jb., F27: 59-122; Hannover.

Lehmeier, F. & Köthe, R. (1992): Geomorphological data as a component of a geoscientific information system. - Geol. Jb., A 122: 371-380; Hannover.

Köthe, R. & Lehmeier, F. (1991): Digitale Reliefanalyse - Ein Projekt zur geomorphologischen Auswertung Digitaler Geländemodelle (DGM). - Freib. Geogr. Hefte, 34: 99-109; Freiburg.