As a permanent platform, the cross-sectional groups represent the direct link between the different work areas of the institute. Here, staff members from different disciplines with professional expertise come together for cross-thematic work on biodiversity and nature conservation, remote sensing in forests or data infrastructure. The intensive scientific exchange strengthens the cooperation within the institute and contributes to a better visibility and networking beyond the institute's borders.

According to their thematic orientation, the cross-sectional groups deal with the following cross-departmental goals and tasks:

• exchange of information and experience on methods, surveys and evaluations.
• presentation and discussion of new, ongoing and completed projects
• joint processing of inquiries and orders of the institute management
• initiation, conception and realization of activities in research, monitoring and policy advice collection of internal and external topic-related information
• overview of activities related to the cross-cutting theme in the institute
• initiation and support of cross-cutting topic-related publications