Welcome to My Geoinformatics Blog
Hello! I'm Pawan Thapa, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography & the Environment at The University of Alabama. I hold a Master of Science in Geoinformatics from Muenster University, Germany, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Geomatics Engineering from Kathmandu University, Nepal. In this blog, I aim to share the projects I have undertaken during my studies, along with articles related to geospatial research and its findings from around the world.
Research Interests
My research interests span a wide range of topics within geoinformatics and geomatics engineering, including:
- Geoinformatics and Geomatics: Exploring the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies.
- Hydrology and Geomorphology: Studying water systems and landform processes.
- Flood Risk Assessment and Meander Classification: Assessing flood risks and classifying river meanders using advanced techniques.
- Remote Sensing: Utilizing satellite imagery and aerial data for environmental monitoring and analysis.
- UAVs, DGPS, Sensors: Field survey and ground truth validation.
One of my key research areas is the spatial and individual vulnerability due to climate change, which I initially explored in my master thesis through a study of vulnerability assessment of indigenous communities in Nepal. This interest was further developed through my involvement in the Kritipur communities project for earthquake vulnerability assessment.
Current Research Projects
I am currently working on several exciting projects:
- Geospatial Classification of River Meanders: Developing a machine learning framework driven by deep learning and geometric properties.
- Integrated Flood Risk Assessment: Using deep learning and hydraulic modeling to assess flood risks in the Southeastern United States.
- Automated River Meander Analysis: Conducting a meta-analysis and review of machine learning and deep learning applications for river meander analysis.
Exploring Spatial Cognition and Intelligence
During my studies, I explored the phenomenon of spatial cognition and intelligence through a case study at the Muenster all-weather zoo. This involved surveying how people navigate within the zoo and their perceptions of the environment. The study highlighted the potential of public displays for daily use, emphasizing the importance of spatial information for direction, navigation, and awareness.
