Dr. Franz-Josef Behr is Professor for Spatial Data Processing at the Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences.

After his studies in geodesy and postgraduate studies at the University of Karlsruhe, Dr. Franz-Josef Behr worked at the Institute for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing there in areas such as analytical photogrammetry, digital cartography and remote sensing. After his doctorate, he worked as a consultant for the implementation of geoinformation systems in municipalities and energy supply companies.

Since 2002, he is a professor of spatial data processing at the Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences, teaching basic and advanced topics in spatial information processing such as programming, software development, data modelling, spatial data formats, and Internet technology. Interoperability, open source and open data approaches, disaster mapping and crowd sourcing are important to him for teaching and practice. He published two GIS textbooks and is the author of more than 50 other publications. As an alumni officer, he is involved in internationalization of academic education and is responsible for AGSE conferences in around the globe.

Franz-Josef Behr is Study Dean of the Master Programme Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics, Co-chair ICA Commission on SDI and Standards, Member SDI Advisory Board, State of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Member NA 005-03-03 AA Geoinformation (CEN/TC 287+ISO/TC 211) and served as Co-Editor, Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial Conference Proceedings. He was involved in organizing FOSS4G conferences in Bonn, Notttingham, Portland, Dar-es-Salam and the forthcoming conference in Prizren, Kosovo.