Master theses

Das Bild zeigt einen Ausschnitt einer studentischen Arbeit mit dem Thema "Auwaldstation Leipzig".

The Master's thesis at the Chair of Landscape Planning offers the opportunity to deepen the knowledge acquired during the course of studies by means of an intensive examination of the content-related and methodological issues of the subject area in terms of scientific theory or to apply it in planning.

Topics in landscape planning for Master's theses in the summer semester 2025

If you are interested, please send an e-mail to Prof. Schmidt! The topics can also be worked on by several people. From 20.2.- 10.3.25 Mrs. Schmidt is not available due to vacation, during this period please contact Dr. Seidler or Dr. Hanke. Individual topics are gladly supported, please let us know if you have any ideas. Workstations can be reserved via Ilka Werblow.

The following topics, which are also illustrated in the video, will be offered in the coming summer semester.

Please register the topics at the department by March 19, 2025 at the latest (better well in advance, some topics are only assigned once).

1st Water Landscapes: Gravel pit lakes Leuben

In the BUGA 2033, the gravel pit lakes Leuben are not planned as the main exhibition area,
area, but at least as an area that can be upgraded and further developed with BUGA
to be upgraded and further developed. The only question is: How? How
can a good balance be found between recreation, nature conservation and flood protection?
be found? What measures can also be taken after the end of the BUGA to increase the
attractiveness of the area for the population? And which measures - such as
Floating Islands, for example - could "Water Landscapes" also be made exhibition-ready for the BUGA
and still be compatible with nature conservation? The task of the master's thesis is to
the basis of a landscape planning analysis and evaluation of the recreational qualities and the
and the species and biotope stock in the plan area, as well as supplementary framework conditions such as flood protection, to develop a utilization and design concept. This should be illustrated in spatial representations, sections and visualizations and detailed in suitable sub-areas.
Design work (only plans and design book), no GIS knowledge required

2. landscape development concept for the Elbe floodplain near Dresden-Zschieren

Dresden has had a major nature conservation project since 2024! Due to the associated
financial support from the federal government, a much higher implementation of
nature conservation measures than before, with the funds to be used specifically in the project areas of the large-scale nature conservation project. The Elbe floodplain around
Dresden-Zschieren is to be included as a new project area. It offers
with the Zschieren gravel pits, the Elbe meadows and small wooded areas, it offers great
potential. At the same time, however, the area is also used intensively for agriculture and
the gravel pits are equally interesting for recreation. How can good
compromises can be found and how should the area be developed in the future?
be developed in the future? In the master's thesis, a species and biotope protection concept is to be
which is linked to aspects of recreational provision and climate adaptation.
and climate adaptation.
Planning and scientific work (text and plans), GIS skills required

3. recreation concept for the "Alte Halde- Dolomitgebiet Ostrau" nature reserve

The "Alte Halde - Dolomitgebiet" nature reserve with its nationally renowned dolomite wall
is divided into two sections by the planned continuation of rock extraction.
In addition, the current dolomite mining also cuts up path connections between
Ostrau and Zschochau. One of the few remaining path connections leads right through the
the NSG and thus indirectly causes disturbance. The task of the master's thesis is to
conflicts between nature conservation, mining and recreation with the help of a forward-looking
visitor guidance concept that opens up new recreational opportunities,
sensitive natural areas and finds a new balance between rock excavation, the needs of the
the needs of the population and nature conservation. Between Ostrau
between Ostrau and Zschochau, the conditions for recreation as well as existing and potential
and potential path connections must be analyzed and evaluated and at the same time the numerous
historical evidence of the cultural landscape history (in particular the history of mining)
to be recorded. On this basis, a concept of objectives and measures is to be developed,
which will be illustrated in suitable areas. The teaching area will fund up to
up to two overnight stays in Ostrau.
Planning and scientific work (text and plans), no GIS knowledge required

4. maintenance and development plan for the "Alte Halde- Dolomitgebiet Ostrau" nature reserve

The nature reserve covers an area of approx. 26 ha, divided into two parts,
which has a unique flora and fauna and a special character due to the rare Zechstein dolomite.
special character. It is part of a much larger FFH area.
The task of the master's thesis is to carry out a biotope mapping within the NSG
and to highlight the valuable landscape structures. In addition
target species are to be selected based on the conservation objectives of the FFH area and
the habitat quality of the nature reserve for the target species and the biotope development potential
be evaluated. In addition, the agricultural areas located between the two parts of the
between the two parts of the nature reserve should also be included in the assessment. On this basis, a
maintenance and development plan that includes specific nature conservation measures and
measures and also takes into account the compatibility between recreation and species and
biotope protection and climate change. A topic for those who would like to
want to focus on vegetation ecology and fauna. It can
only be worked on by one researcher. The department finances up to two
overnight stays in Ostrau will be financed.
Planning-scientific work (text and plans), GIS skills required

5. railroad wasteland Dresden-Pieschen

The Deutsche Bahn is interested in developing the railroad wasteland at the Dresden-
Pieschen (between Harkortstraße, Riesaer Straße and Leisniger Straße) as a compensation area. This represents a great opportunity, as Pieschen is extremely undersupplied with green spaces. But how can the railroad wasteland be developed in such a way that it provides added value for the protection of species and biotopes (and can therefore be counted as a compensation area) as well as added value for the population of the surrounding urban districts? How can succession processes and urban wilderness, for example, be dealt with? What recreational facilities are appropriate on the site? The task of the master's thesis is to develop a design for the railroad wasteland on the basis of a landscape planning analysis and evaluation of the plan area and the directly adjacent urban areas and to illustrate this in spatial representations, sections and visualizations and to detail it in suitable sub-areas. In addition, the impact regulation must be roughly balanced in the design book.
Design work (plans and design book only), no GIS skills required

6 The rise of solar landscapes

Many ground-mounted photovoltaic systems are currently being built up and down the country. These
theoretically offer many opportunities to increase biodiversity and to be adapted to the specific
specifics of the location. However, the reality is often different: Ground-mounted
photovoltaic systems are often interchangeable and stereotypical. Why is that? What needs to be
be changed to make attractive solar landscapes possible? The task of the
thesis is to scientifically investigate these questions on the basis of five freely selected case studies in
Saxony, in which the planning documents are researched and, on this basis
monitoring the implementation of the planned landscape-related measures and the actual environmental
measures and the actual environmental impact (e.g. visual impact, vegetation
effects, vegetation formation) in comparison to the environmental effects predicted in the environmental report.
environmental impacts predicted in the environmental report. On the basis of the findings, interviews with
interviews are to be conducted with planners and planning and approval
approval and licensing authorities to shed light on the background. As a result
conclusions and recommendations for future planning and approval practice.
Scientific work (text and illustrations or plans), no GIS skills required

7 Forest reproduction in Saxony - an illusion?

Forests are becoming increasingly important in times of climate change and the biodiversity crisis.
increasing importance. Numerous political programs and plans therefore include the
goal of significantly increasing the forest area. But often this is only on paper.
Why is this the case, what is the specific situation in Saxony and what can be done in terms of planning?
to improve the situation? In the Master's thesis, the first step is to use current
aerial photographs to determine what percentage of the areas designated in the regional plans
priority and reserved areas for forest reproduction and what percentage of the reforestation areas proposed in the
forest increase planning have actually been implemented in the meantime and
have actually been implemented and whether there are any spatial priorities. In addition, the
current forest inventory and other available data sets are to be evaluated
and interviews will be conducted with various stakeholders. As a result
recommendations will be made, which will also incorporate examples of best practice.
Scientific work (text and illustrations or plans), GIS skills required

current master's theses

current master theses

Previous topics Master's theses

Previous topics Diploma theses

previous topics of diploma theses

It is possible to view completed Master's theses or diploma theses on site by sending an e-mail request to the Chair's office.