Dr. Natalia Pacurucu | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award
DOCENTE INVESTIGADORA at UNIVERSIDAD DE CUENCA, Ecuador.
Natalia Elizabeth Pacurucu Cáceres is an Ecuadorian academic and researcher specializing in territorial planning and sustainable land management. With extensive experience in academia and research, she has contributed significantly to urban and rural planning methodologies through GIS technologies, public participation strategies, and digital tools for territorial analysis. Since 2014, she has been a full-time professor at the University of Cuenca, where she engages in research projects that integrate geospatial analysis with sustainable development. Her work emphasizes innovative approaches to planning, leveraging digital and participatory frameworks to enhance decision-making processes in land management.
Profile
Education
Natalia Pacurucu holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Cuenca (2013). She pursued a Master’s in Sustainable Land and Territory Management at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain (2014), where she developed her expertise in geospatial technologies for land-use planning. Currently, she is completing her Doctorate in Territorial Planning and Sustainable Management at the National University of Cuyo, Argentina (2024). Her academic journey has been dedicated to integrating technology and sustainability in urban and regional planning, with a focus on participatory GIS applications and digital infrastructure for territorial decision-making.
Experience
Natalia Pacurucu has held various academic and research positions. Since 2014, she has been a professor at the University of Cuenca, contributing to the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism. In addition to her teaching role, she has been involved in several research projects, such as evaluating planning tools, developing geospatial decision-support systems, and implementing participatory methodologies in territorial governance. She has also worked as a consultant for public and private institutions, providing expertise in urban planning, land-use management, and geoinformatics. Her professional experience extends to collaborations with municipalities and research institutions, enhancing urban and rural development policies through data-driven methodologies.
Research Interests
Her research focuses on the application of GIS and digital technologies in urban and regional planning, with an emphasis on participatory planning, territorial vulnerability analysis, and sustainable land-use strategies. She has explored methods to integrate geospatial analysis with decision-making frameworks for urban development, public participation, and environmental risk assessment. Additionally, her studies delve into the automation of planning models, using advanced geoprocessing techniques to improve the efficiency and accuracy of land-use plans. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges architecture, urban planning, and technology, aiming to create more inclusive and resilient urban environments.
Awards
Throughout her academic career, Natalia Pacurucu has been recognized for her contributions to urban and regional planning. She has received research grants from institutions such as the University of Cuenca and SENESCYT, supporting projects focused on geospatial analysis, urban planning methodologies, and participatory planning tools. Her work has been instrumental in developing digital solutions for land management, earning her recognition in academic and professional circles. Her contributions to GIS-based planning support systems and public participation mechanisms have positioned her as a leading researcher in the field of sustainable territorial management.
Publications
Santé, I., Pacurucu, N., Boullón, M., García, A. M., & Miranda, D. (2016). “An Open Source GIS-Based Planning Support System: Application to the Land Use Plan of La Troncal, Ecuador.” Transactions in GIS, 20, 976-990. [Cited by multiple GIS and planning studies.]
Morocho, V., Achig, R., Vivanco, L., Pacurucu, N., & Bustamante, J. (2023). “Framework for Training a VA that Supports Territorial Planning.” 2023 Ninth International Conference on eDemocracy & eGovernment (ICEDEG), 1-5. [Cited in digital governance research.]
Pacurucu, N., Vivanco, L., Orellana-Alvear, B., & Ordoñez, A. (2022). “New Information and Communication Technologies for Public Participation in Ecuadorian Land Management: Case Study Cuenca.” 13th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2022). [Referenced in participatory planning literature.]
Pacurucu, N., García, A., & Santé, I. (2016). “Analysis and Validation of OpenRules as a Support Tool in Land Use Planning in Ecuador.” Published by Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. [Recognized in urban planning frameworks.]
Pacurucu, N., Vivanco, L., Astudillo, J., & Morocho, V. (2016). “Construction of the Current Urban Model for Urban Planning Through Geoprocessing on an SDI.” Revista Congreso de Ciencia y Tecnología. [Cited in geospatial analysis research.]
Astudillo, J., Morocho, V., Vivanco, L., Pacurucu, N., & Salazar, X. (2015). “Geospatial Web Processing on an SDI for Territorial and Urban Planning.” Revista Geoespacial. [Referenced in digital spatial infrastructure research.]
Pacurucu, N., Morocho, V. (2017). “PP GIS as a Geo-Tool for Mapping Vulnerable Areas in the Context of Territorial Planning: A Bibliographic Review.” Revista Geoespacial. [Cited in vulnerability mapping studies.]
Conclusion
Natalia Elizabeth Pacurucu Cáceres is an accomplished researcher and academic, making significant contributions to the fields of urban planning, geospatial analysis, and sustainable land management. Her work integrates cutting-edge GIS technologies with participatory approaches, fostering inclusive and data-driven territorial planning. Through her academic endeavors and professional projects, she continues to shape policies and methodologies that enhance urban resilience and environmental sustainability. As she advances her doctoral research, her impact on territorial governance and urban development remains pivotal, positioning her as a key figure in the intersection of technology and planning.