Dr Ather Ashraf Email & Phone Number

Medina, Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia

At the Madinah Development Authority, I serve as a GIS Specialist, contributing to urban development and infrastructure projects through advanced geospatial technologies. Key responsibilities include:Geospatial Data Analysis and Management: Handling and analyzing spatial data to support urban planning and infrastructure projects.Project Planning and Evaluation: Leading project planning and RFP development for water demand studies, water balance models, climate change adaptation, and urban resilience.Development of GIS Solutions: Creating tailored GIS applications and tools for enhanced spatial data management and analysis.Water Demand Study: Conducting detailed geospatial analyses for water demand studies to inform resource management and infrastructure planning.Data Governance: Establishing data governance frameworks to ensure data quality, security, and compliance in geospatial data handling.Collaborative Planning: Working with planners and engineers to integrate GIS insights into comprehensive development plans.My role involves leveraging GIS technology to enhance decision-making, optimize project planning, and support sustainable urban development in Madinah.Tool/Technologies: Python, Google Earth Engine, QGIS

Islamabad, Islāmābād, Pakistan

Serving intermittently as a Flood Hazard Localization Consultant for WHH NGO, my role involvesdeveloping a GIS-enabled web application designed to predict potential flood hazards, heat waves,droughts, and assess the associated risks to populations, livestock, and the agricultural sector forDisaster Risk Financing. The application is currently in development and is accessible at http://whhdrm.club/.Tool/Technologies: Python with FastAPI Framework, Google Earth Engine, React, PostGIS and COG

Islamabad, Islāmābād, Pakistan

In my role at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as a System Architecture and DevOps Specialist, under the auspices of Technical Assistance project TA-10036, I was tasked with the development of a project management dashboard. This dashboard, designed to align with the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction (4RF) framework, serves as a critical tool for overseeing projects dedicated to building resilience and facilitating post-disaster recovery. The dashboard can be reviewed at https://4rf.pc.gov.pk/.

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Worked as System Architecture on intermitent basis as Technical Assistent in ADB. I contributed toa project aimed at developing a Decision Support System (DSS) for the LBDC Zone of the PunjabIrrigation Department (PID). My responsibilities included the development of spatial data pipelines andmachine learning algorithms for crop classification. Additionally, developed water distribution equityanalysis using the Gini Coefficient and proposed water allocation suggestions for decision-makers atthe distributor level through quadratic programming. The application available at http://lbdc.online/ for reviewTool/Technologies: Python (Django Framework), React, Postgres/PostGIS, and Docker

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

As a consultant for the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), I developed a framework for prioritizing watersheds in the Balochistan area. This framework was constructed using fuzzy multi-criteria analysis, incorporating a variety of criteria/parameters such as the return period of rainfall, proximity to water bodies, vegetation, built-up areas, population density, soil field capacity, annual average soil moisture content intensity, and distance from the irrigation network.Tool/Technologies: Python, Google Earth Engine

Malta

As a team lead at Mi-C3 International, I spearheaded the development of the Affectli MappingComponent in Situational Awareness Module . Affectli is a software tailored for mission-criticalenvironments, providing a unified, detailed, and real-time overview of intricate operations. The MappingComponent is developed using Open Layer, Cesium, GraphQL, and Postgis/Postgres

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

The initiative is centered on institutional reform for the Defence Housing Authority, specifically through the establishment of a new GIS department. It aims at designing and structuring a system to handle all spatial data and workflows spanning multiple departments such as Land, Town Planning, Civil & Tech, Security, and Administration. Integral to this architecture is a Decision Support System, engineered atop the core GIS framework, to aid in making informed decisions and tracking projects in terms of their physical progress and financial metrics.

Canda

This project aimed to develop a web application for on-site monitoring of construction activities usinghigh-resolution drone imagery. I have worked as a Consultant on intermittent basis and developedessential features included calculations for cut and fill to detect changes, stockpile volume estimations,and tracking updates to design file variations.Tool/Technologies: Postgres / PostGIS, Python with Django framework, React, Mapbox GL, Material UI

Islamabad, Pakistan

Continuing from the previous Snow Avalanche project, I worked intermittently as a GIS Consultant to enhance the decision support functionality of the application. I integrated the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) to predict the triggering of snow avalanches within the application and dockerized it forstreamlined deployment.Tool and Technology: React, Python (Django Framework), Docker, PostGIS/Postgres

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

This project aims to enhance physical and fiscal resilience through structural and non-structural mitigation measures including climate change adaptations for flood resilient infrastructure and institutional capacity strengthening under portfolios of PDMA, C&W, Irrigation and P&D Departments.As the Project Director for the P&D component, I led a team of 70, focusing on several key objectives:1) Develop a Monitoring & Evaluation system to oversee the reconstruction and rehabilitation projects related to irrigation and road infrastructure within this initiative.2) Establish a Data Clearinghouse for the sharing of spatial data, enhancing planning processes.4) Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction strategies into the development process to ensure resilient infrastructure development.5) Develop an Irrigation and Road Asset Management System, including a scorecard for informed decision-making.6) Conduct climate change analysis and simulations to predict and mitigate future risks.7) Develop a Disaster Impact Assessment (DIA) template for project evaluationThe application is available for review at http://pnddch.info/Tool/Technologies: Python with Django Framework, ExtJS, Openlayers, Leaflet, Cesium, Postgres/PostGIS

Old Campus

Worked in Punjab University as an Assistant Professor in GIS Center. Responsibility include research and teaching Water Resource Management, Water Informatics, Geo-statistics, GIS Programming, Geo-Spatial Databases, Web GIS and Geo-spatial System design.

Islamabad Pakistan

As a GIS consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), my role was centered around devising projects aimed at bolstering resilience and reconstructing areas impacted by the 2014 floods. A key part of my contribution involved the implementation of a Flood Management application, a project I spearheaded in 2011 in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). My duties included designing a GIS infrastructure tailored for flood management, spanning across disaster management authorities in Punjab Province and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Islamabad, Pakistan

On an intermittent basis, I contributed to the development of Flood Hazard maps for four districts inPunjab: Khushab, Jhang, Multan, and Raheem Yar Khan, as part of the MHVRA project for NDMA.These hazard maps were crafted using HECGeoRAS for spatial data preparation, complemented byHECRAS for flood modeling across 10, 50, and 100-year return periods. This work aimed to providecritical insights for disaster preparedness and risk management strategies in these regions.Tool/Technologies: HEC-RAS, GeoHEC-RAS, ArcGIS, Python

Islamabad Pakistan

Served as the project coordinator in this NGO for a World Bank-funded initiative, overseeing thecoordination of spatial data sharing and its online availability for disaster management and planning bythe National Working Group (NWG). The project's deliverables encompassed flood and seismic hazardmapping, exposure, vulnerability, and risk mapping, all of which, along with NWG's data, were madeaccessible on a web platform.Tool/Technologies: ArcGIS, CRISIS, GeoNode, Python with Django, Postgres/PostGIS, Geoserver, OpenLayers, Extjs and Apache Tomcat

Islamabad, Islāmābād, Pakistan

Under this project, I developed an enterprise-level avalanche simulation application for disastermanagement, specifically for FOCUS Humanitarian, an entity working under the Aga Khan Foundation.The application offers detailed spatial and attribute information about villages and infrastructureexposed to risk.Tool/Technologies: ArcGIS, Postgres/PostGIS, Geoserver, OpenLayers, Extjs and Tomcat

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Served as a Team Lead and guided a team of 10 technical staff, I spearheaded the development of an enterprise-level flood modeling application aimed at pre-disaster management, specifically designed for the PDMA. This sophisticated application is capable of calculating flood extents based on discharge data, offering detailed spatial and attribute information regarding submerged villages. Additionally, the system features functionality for broadcasting disaster alerts to focal persons and estimating financial losses, enhancing the efficacy of disaster response and preparedness strategies.Tool/Technologies: ArcGIS, Geo HECRAS, HECRAS, Postgres / PostGIS, Geoserver, OpenLayers,Extjs and Java

Islamabad, Islāmābād, Pakistan

In the One UN DRM program, I held the position of Disaster Risk Reduction MainstreamingCoordinator, where my duties encompassed integrating disaster risk reduction strategies into the development process, creating disaster maps, and facilitating capacity building. This role involved a comprehensive approach to enhancing resilience and preparedness across various development initiatives.

Lahore District, Punjab, Pakistan

As a GIS Specialist, I was instrumental in establishing a GIS Development Lab focused on creatingGIS-enabled web-based solutions for Urban Planners. The lab utilized Oracle, Oracle Spatial,MapGuide, and Java, showcasing a commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for sophisticatedspatial analysis and planning tools. This initiative aimed to enhance urban planning processes withdata-driven insights and interactive mapping capabilities.Tool/Technologies: Oracle, Oracle Spatial, ArcGIS, ArcSDE, Java, Mapguide

Islamabad, Pakistan

At UNFPA, I served as a GIS trainer, where my responsibilities encompassed training the census department in developing and utilizing GIS data using ARCGIS and ArcServer. This included instruction on data analysis and management specific to census operations, aiming to enhance the department's capabilities in spatial data handling and decision-making processes.

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

As a GIS Consultant, I was involved in planning the railway line route from Havelian to Khunjerab,tracing the historic Silk Road in Pakistan. My primary responsibilities included image processing,creating a Digital Terrain Model (DTM), generating contours, conducting hydrological modeling, andoverseeing survey efforts to ensure the viability and strategic alignment of the railway infrastructure withthe geographic and hydrological realities of the region.Tool / Technologies: ArcGIS, ERMapper, ArcObject, Matlab

United States

In my role as a GIS Developer, I developed a mapping component of Land Management system named"Landfolio," which has since become part of Trimble's portfolio. This system has been successfullydeployed across three countries: Antigua, Belize, and Bermuda, showcasing its adaptability andeffectiveness in diverse geographic and regulatory environments.Tool/Technologies: ArcServer, Arc Engine, ArcObject, C#, .Net Framework, SQL Server

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Netsol, recognized as one of Pakistan's largest IT companies and distinguished for being the onlycompany in Pakistan at CMMI level 5, employed me as a GIS developer with the title of Senior SoftwareEngineer. My key responsibility was to design the Land Record Management Information System anddevelop its prototype.Tool/Technologies: Oracle, Oracle Spatial, ArcGIS, Java

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

At NESPAK, a leading engineering consultancy in Pakistan, I served as a GIS Engineer. My duties involved creating flood plain mappings, leading the resettlement analysis team for the Kalabagh Dam project, and developing an enterprise spatial solution for WCB tax mapping.Tool/Technologies: Matlab, ArcGIS, ArcObject, VB .Net, ERMapper

Lahore, Pakistan

At J-Tech, a collaboration between JGC (Japan) and Descon (Pakistan), now recognized as DesconIntegrated Projects Ltd, I served as a CAD Analyst with the title of Assistant Software Engineer. My role focused on customizing CAD solutions, alongside initiating and managing projects within OracleDatabases and CAD environments. This position required a blend of technical proficiency and project management skills to enhance CAD operations and database integration.Tool/Technologies: Oracle, Intools, PDS, MicroStation

Muzaffargarh, Pakistan

At FONGAS, a subsidiary of Fauji Foundation with an LPG storage and distribution plant near PARCOin Kot Addu, my company undertook the installation of a tube well, laying of a gas pipeline from PARCOto the FONGAS plant, and the installation of water supply and firefighting lines within the plant. In thissetting, I contributed as a site engineer, where my responsibilities included1. Manage, handle and communicate with a team of technical staff and subcontractor2. Supervising laying of gas pipelines and Installation of Tubewell3. Certifying and complying with standards of FONGAS (Fauji Foundation)4. Maintaining engineering quality standard for materials and work5. Prepared BOQ (Bill of Quantity).

B.Sc., Civil Engineering

Activities and Societies: Basket ball and cricket Focused on the Hydrology, Fluid Mechanics, Strength of Material, and Soil Mechanics..

M.Sc., Gis, 3.63

Focused on the GIS, Remote Sensing, GIS Analysis and Decision Support System. Research thesis was {\bf De-nosing of SRTM Data using Wavelet

Ms, Computer Science, 4

Focused on the Computer Science, Programming, Data Structure, and Databases. Research topic was {\bf Shortest Path Analysis

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd) In Cs, Fuzzy Gis And Intelligent System For Land Suitability, 3.82

Research Work on Fuzzy based Intelligent GIS System in Agriculture and Water Sector

Certificate, Risk Information And Communication

Activities and Societies: Risk Information and Communication for Effective Risk Financing and Development of DRR Policies} arranged.

Postdoc Course, International Research Association On Large Landslides

Field data collection, monitoring, and modeling of large landslides} held at State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention.

Certificate, Indus Fews, Flood Early Warning System

Indus- Flood Early warning system, river basin modeling, and its integration on web platform, held at Deltares, Delft (Netherlands)