Gernot Nikolaus

Full CV


Experience

Project Assistant

United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) – Bonn, Germany
Sep 2025 – Present

Contributing to climate risk analytics projects that improve access to actionable information for decision-makers and vulnerable populations.

  • Developing automated geospatial workflows using Python and Google Earth Engine for large-scale environmental data processing
  • Designing and producing publication-ready cartographic products for climate risk reports (e.g., Pakistan)
  • UDeveloping interactive geospatial dashboards integrating multi-source environmental datasets for climate risk communication and decision-support

Residential Fieldworker Volunteer

RSPB – LIFE Raft Seabird Conservation Project – Rathlin Island, UK
Sep 2025 – Oct 2025

Supported one of the UK’s most ambitious seabird conservation projects, aimed at protecting Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills by managing invasive species and maintaining monitoring networks.

  • Checked and maintained 6,000+ bait stations across the island to monitor and manage invasive rats and ferrets threatening seabird populations.
  • Collected and recorded field data using Field Maps and Survey123 under challenging outdoor conditions.
  • Applied wildlife ID skills to identify remaining predators.
  • Worked collaboratively with an international volunteer team and local community.
  • Built experience in remote island fieldwork, teamwork, and outdoor resilience.

Student Assistant

UNU-EHS
Sep 2024 – Sep 2025
  • Supported climate risk insurance projects through geospatial data preparation and analysis.
  • Developed and maintained geoprocessing workflows to support adaptation and risk assessment studies.
  • Produced maps and visualizations to communicate climate risk and adaptation measures.

Disaster Modelling Intern

UNU-EHS / Munich Climate Insurance Initiative
Jul – Sep 2024
  • Automated geoprocessing workflows using Python, QGIS, and ArcGIS Pro.
  • Applied CLIMADA for climate impact modelling and risk assessment.
  • Produced climate impact maps for case studies in Egypt and Thailand.

Co-Founder

Gernot Nikolaus & Simon Kraus Creative Studio GbR
Jul 2024-Present

Co-founded a cartography-focused creative studio developing map-themed print-on-demand brands (in development) and designing merchandise for companies.

GIS Trainer and Field Support

German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association (DAHW) – Lomé, Togo
Apr 2022-Mar 2023

Supported a multi-year project to combat neglected tropical diseases (Leprosy, Buruli ulcer, and Yaws) in Togo by applying geospatial analysis to improve understanding of disease distribution and support targeted interventions.

  • Explored spatial correlations for disease incidence and provided geospatial and cartographic support remotely.
  • Visited hospitals and collected geodata in fieldwork, and conducted GIS training for Ministry of Health staff on site (Aug 2022–Sept 2022)

Student Research Assistant

Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Aug 2021–Sept 2021
  • Created vector tile basemaps for academic GIS teaching modules

Alma Mater

MSc Copernicus Master in Digital Earth

Palacký University Olomouc / University of Salzburg
2023–2025
  • Graduated with Distinction / Honours
  • Thesis: Flood Vulnerability in Punjab, Pakistan – A Geospatial Analysis and Cartographic Approach
  • University of Salzburg – Geoinformatics & Earth Observation Track: Remote sensing, geospatial data processing, Earth observation, spatial modelling, and geospatial application development
  • Palacký University Olomouc – Geovisualization & Geocommunication Track: Cartography, spatial storytelling, map design, and visual communication of geospatial data

BEng Geovisualization

Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
2019–2023
  • Thesis: Geospatial Contexts for Combating Buruli ulcer and Yaws in Togo
  • Focus on GIS, coding, 3D modelling, and visualization techniques

Publications & Projects

Flood susceptibility mapping using AHP and sensitivity analysis in Punjab, Pakistan

gis.Science (2025) View paper

Assessment of flood susceptibility using remote sensing and AHP

AGIT Conference (2025) View paper

Awards

Mapa Roku 2025

Issued by Czech Cartographic Society
April 2026

Master’s thesis research recognized with the Map of the Year Award in the student category.

Dean’s Award

Issued by Palacký University in Olomouc
May 2025

Recognized as overall winner in the Earth Sciences section in the faculty.

Harbert-Buchpreis – Best Student of the Year

Issued by DVW e.V. (German Association for Geodesy, Geoinformation & Land Management)
Sept 2023

Awarded for academic excellence within the geoinformation discipline.

Talks & Conferences

AGIT Conference Salzburg

July 2025

Oral presentation on flood susceptibility mapping in Punjab, Pakistan.

Volunteering

Volunteer Mapper

Missing Maps
Oct 2023–Present
  • Participating in humanitarian mapathons to improve open-source spatial data in vulnerable region.
  • Supporting disaster response and humanitarian aid through collaborative geospatial mapping.

Workshops & International Schools

Seeing Through Lies: Mapping Trust in the Age of Misinformation

Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic
2025

International Spring School, focusing on data visualization, false narratives, and critical thinking

BIP CIVIS – Healthy Urban Systems

University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland
2024

Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme focused on sustainable urban systems and health

BIP – Digital Earth Citizens

Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic
2023-2024

Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on digital citizenship and geospatial technologies