Beatriz Condessa holds a degree in environmental engineering (Spatial Planning specialization) from New University of Lisbon (1986), and a PhD in Geography from University of Barcelona (1999). She was Research Officer at National Centre of Geographical Information where she studied the application of GIS to spatial planning and monitoring. Currently, she is an assistant professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, where she teaches in spatial planning and urban management. Her research and publications focus on the integration of urban planning, law and urban economics. She participates in several municipal master plan teams. She is member of the Portuguese Urban Planners Association and of the International Academic Association on Planning, Law and Property Rights. She holds the GIS specialist title, awarded by the Portuguese Engineers Order.