Scientists/Scholars

DI Dr. techn. Georg Zotti, Bakk.rer.nat

Computer scientist (TU Wien; 2001: Master Thesis: A Multi-Purpose Virtual Reality Model of the Solar System (VRMoSS); 2007: Dissertation: Computer Graphics in Historical and Modern Sky Observations) and astronomer (Vienna University; 2007: Bachelor's Thesis: Das Astrolab - Konstruktion und Gebrauch).

His preliminary studies performed during preparation of the 2005 exhibition contains some new and original ideas especially on the possible stellar orientation of KGA entrances which seem well reasoned, but could so far not be investigated further because of the current lack of precise horizon profiles. Parts of his dissertation explain the methodology and show his abilities to join computer graphics and astronomical insight in this very special field, and also show a possible way to explain the astronomical findings to a wider audience from the general public in a planetarium. He is member of two Austrian astronomical organisations (Österreichischer Astronomischer Verein and Wiener Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Astronomie).

Mag. Dr. Wolfgang Neubauer

is archaeologist specialized in archaeological prospecting. He obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Vienna. He is lecturer at the Universities of Vienna and Innsbruck.

His research focused on the application of geophysical prospecting methods in archaeology. Together with an interdisciplinary team he developed equipment, logistics and software for high resolution geophysical prospecting of archaeological sites. The main developments are in multisensor cesium-gradiometry and 3D processing and interpretation of ground penetrating radar data. His research team has been involved in several large national and international research projects. The recent research focuses on the applications of terrestrial 3D laser scanners in archaeology and fully digital stratigraphic recording of archaeological excavations. Wolfgang Neubauer has been doing research on the Middle Neolithic KGAs for over 20 years and was responsible archaeologist for the systematic archaeological prospection of all Austrian KGAs. He acted as curator of the 2005 County exhibition of Lower Austria on the KGAs named ``Geheimnisvolle Kreisgräben'' and coordinator of a first project focussing on the astronomical aspects of the Austrian KGAs. He is author and co-author of over 150 publications. Wolfgang Neubauer coordinated many national and international research projects and will bring in his expertise based on long-term research on the Middle Neolithic KGAs.

ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gerhard Trnka

is an internationally approved expert in the research of the KGAs. Prof. Trnka directed excavations at many KGA sites in Austria and will act as archaeological consultant. He will be responsible for networking with partners from the other European countries with known KGAs and will pay an important role in the dissemination of the project results. He will bring in his critical expertise mainly in the interpretation phase of the project.