Stefan W. Dech received the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physical geography and remote sensing in 1987 and 1990, respectively, from the University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. In 1997, he was a Professor at the University of Würzburg. In 1987, he was a Scientist at the German Aerospace Center, German Remote Sensing Data Center, Wessling, Germany, and is currently the Director since 1998. Since 2001, he holds the Chair for remote sensing in the Department of Geography and Geology, University of Würzburg. His special interest includes the use of satellite remote sensing for environmental research to enable a better understanding of global change processes. Furthermore in order to ensure the practical use of remote sensing products he takes a special interest in decision support information systems in the context of natural disaster and sustainable ecosystem development.