Associate Professor Rachel Whitsed

With her research interests in GIS (Geographical Information Science) and in particular the application of spatial science to environmental modelling, Associate Professor Rachel Whitsed has been involved in developing ecology and agricultural applications. Her other areas of interest include uncertainty in GIS, spatial algorithms and programming and developing world precision agriculture.

Research Interests

• Spatial environmental modelling
• Spatial health modelling
• Spatial social modelling
• Spatial modelling algorithms
• Uncertainty in spatial modelling

Bachelor in Computing and Mathematical Science (BCMS) University of Waikato NZ 1994

Masters Science (Geography) at Victoria University, Wellington NZ 1998

PhD Curtin University 2004

External Appointments & Memberships

Australian College of Environmental Deans and Directors (ACEDD) (member),

Australasian Spatial Information Education and Research Association (ASIERA) (member),

Spatial Accuracy (Steering Committee member)

Peer Reviewed Papers

Knight, A., Black, R., Whitsed, R. & Harvey, R. (2018) Enhancing the usability and benefits of open space for older people in regional Australia, Australian Planner,  DOI: 10.1080/07293682.2018.1521454

Whitsed, R. & Smallbone, L.T. (2016) A hybrid genetic algorithm with local optimiser improves calibration of a vegetation change cellular automata model. International Journal of Geographical Information Science. doi:  http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13658816.2016.1231315

Whitsed, R., & Smallbone, L. (2014) Uncertainty in a cellular automata model for vegetation change. Journal of Spatial Science, 1-16.

Current Projects

Assessing and developing a walkability index targeted to older Australians in regional cities. Whitsed, R., Horta, A. (2018-2019) Family & Community Services – Liveable Communities Grants, $30,000.

Environmental Monitoring and Training for Aboriginal Communities. Wassens, S., Allan, C., Whitsed, R. & Bond, J. (2017-2018) NSW OEH, $20,000 Project details

What are the effects of the rodent eradication on the threatened Lord Howe currawong and its diet? Massaro, M., Whitsed, R. & Segal, R. (PhD student) (2018-2021) Australia and Pacific Science Foundation, $36,240

Completed Projects

Better Parks for People, Whitsed, R., Black, R., & Harvey, R. (2016-2017) FACS NSW Liveable Communities, $62,727 Project details