INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Student Assistant / Master Thesis - GIS-Based High-Resolution Urban Mapping

CompanyFraunhofer-Gesellschaft
LocationValley
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 24, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Develop a workflow to downscale low-resolution climate simulation outputs into high-resolution 2D and 3D urban environmental maps. Use WRF and SUECM models alongside UMEP plugins to assess pedestrian thermal comfort and solar potential in cities like Berlin, Barcelona, and Montreal.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
294
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
5 hours
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About The Company
Fraunhofer IGD is the international leading institute for applied research in visual computing. Visual computing is image- and model-based information technology and includes computer graphics and computer vision, as well as virtual and augmented reality. In simple terms, the Fraunhofer researchers in Darmstadt, Rostock, and Kiel are turning information into images and extracting information from images. In cooperation with its partners, technical solutions and market-relevant products are created. Prototypes and integrated solutions are developed in accordance with customized requirements. In doing so, Fraunhofer IGD places users at the forefront, providing them with technical solutions to facilitate computer work and make it more efficient. Owing to its numerous innovations, Fraunhofer IGD raises man-machine interaction to a new level. Man is able to work in a more result-oriented and effective way by means of the computer and visual computing developments.
About the Role
 
 
Student Assistant / Master Thesis - GIS-Based High-Resolution Urban Mapping
 

While urbanized mesoscale models or offline urban canopy models provide computationally efficient estimates of urban climate, they often lack the spatial granularity needed for site-specific urban design. We aim to bridge this gap by using QGIS/UMEP tools to downscale low-resolution simulation outputs into 2D and 3D maps of environmental variables. We are looking for a motivated student to develop a workflow that links physics-based climate models with GIS-driven biometeorological mapping..

 
Be part of change
  • Run urban climate simulations using the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and/or the Standalone Urban Energy/Climate Model (SUECM) for test sites Berlin, Barcelona, and Montreal.
  • Utilize UMEP plugins in QGIS or Python-Implementations to generate high-resolution maps of Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) and solar potential.
  • Develop standardized data exchange protocols between simulation outputs and GIS-ready spatial formats.
  • Integrate WRF/SUECM data with the UMEP plugins to assess pedestrian thermal comfort in complex urban geometries.
  • Conduct sensitivity analyses on how urban geometry affects thermal comfort.
 
 
What you contribute
  • Enrollment in Geoinformatics, Urban Planning, Environmental Engineering, Meteorology, Building Physics or similar disciplines.
  • Proficiency in QGIS and the UMEP toolset (or a strong willingness to learn).
  • Experience with Python, particularly for processing geospatial and raster data (or a strong willingness to learn).
  • Understanding of urban biometeorology (PET/UTCI) and energy balance principles.
  • Ability to work independently on complex data integration tasks.
 
 
What we offer
  • A research-focused role (6-12 months, or longer) contributing to an international project.
  • Hands-on experience with cutting-edge GIS tools for urban climate resilience.
  • Supervision from experts in urban physics, meteorology and geoinformatics.
  • Access to a collaborative platform linking Fraunhofer IBP in Germany and Concordia University in Canada.
 
 
Remuneration according to Research assistant pay (dependent on qualifications).
 
The weekly working time is at least 5 hours. This position is limited, an extension possible. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

 

If you have any questions, you may contact:

Dr. Afshin Afshari

Tel.: +49 80246 643-625

 
Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP 
www.ibp.fraunhofer.de 

Requisition Number: 85178                Application Deadline: 

 

Key Skills
QGISUMEPPythonGeospatial Data ProcessingRaster Data ProcessingUrban BiometeorologyWRF ModelSUECMUrban MappingData IntegrationSensitivity AnalysisEnvironmental Engineering
Categories
Science & ResearchEnvironmental & SustainabilityEngineeringData & Analytics
Benefits
Research-focused role contributing to an international projectHands-on experience with cutting-edge GIS toolsSupervision from experts in urban physics, meteorology and geoinformaticsAccess to a collaborative platform linking Fraunhofer IBP and Concordia University
Student Assistant / Master Thesis - GIS-Based High-Resolution Urban Mapping - InternshipsHQ