Bishal Dhungana

About

Geospatial Data Scientist & AI/ML Specialist

I'm a Geospatial Data Scientist with expertise in AI/ML, geoAI, and cloud infrastructure, combining deep knowledge of GIS and remote sensing with advanced deep learning and data engineering capabilities. My journey has been fueled by a strong curiosity about the Earth’s dynamic systems and a desire to use technology to address complex environmental challenges. With a solid foundation in Python, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, WebGIS, ArcGIS, LiDAR, machine learning, and cloud computing (AWS), I specialize in transforming geospatial data into actionable insights for natural hazard assessment, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable development. I’ve built tools for automated LiDAR classification, interactive web mapping, and cloud-optimized geospatial workflows, working at the intersection of data science and environmental impact. My research interests are understanding how geospatial technologies can advance environmental justice, particularly in supporting equitable disaster response and resilience planning for vulnerable communities. My ultimate goal is to leverage geospatial intelligence to bridge the gap between science, policy, and people, empowering decision-makers with data that matters.

Outside the academic realm, I find immense joy in the beautiful game of soccer. Traveling is another love of mine, allowing me to explore new landscapes, cultures, and geological wonders. Witnessing the Earth's diverse environments firsthand inspires my academic pursuits and provides a broader perspective on our planet's intricate systems.

City: West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Email: beesal13dh@gmail.com

Experience: 3+ Years
Degree: MS Geosciences

Senior Geospatial Data Scientist & AI/ML Lead

As a Technical Lead for AI/ML image recognition workflows at FPL (via The Spear Group), I design and validate deep learning models for power equipment segmentation, damage detection, and classification across 30+ asset types. I architect end-to-end geospatial data pipelines, manage enterprise infrastructure using AWS (Lambda, S3, SageMaker), and develop scalable solutions leveraging PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Python, and cloud-native technologies. I collaboratively build GIS applications using Esri technologies (ArcGIS Enterprise, Experience Builder, Dashboards) for infrastructure monitoring and disaster response, while translating business requirements into technical solutions and driving product development initiatives.

Skills

ArcGIS Desktop 100%

Web GIS 90%

PostgreSQL/PostGIS 80%

LiDAR 100%

Python 90%

Deep Learning/AI 80%

Open Source GIS 80%

Cloud Computing 80%

Resume

Geospatial Data Scientist, GeoAI enthusiast with 3+ years of experience and expertise in ArcGIS

Summary

Bishal Dhungana

Geospatial Data Scientist with 3+ years of experience combining deep expertise in AI/ML, geoAI, and cloud infrastructure. Technical lead for deep learning model development and validation in computer vision applications. Proficient in end-to-end data pipeline engineering, AWS cloud solutions, PostgreSQL/PostGIS databases, and Esri GIS technologies. Demonstrated expertise in image recognition, LiDAR processing, spatial analysis, remote sensing, and translating complex technical solutions into business value. Excels at designing scalable cloud-native architectures and building product-facing technical solutions for infrastructure resilience and modernization.

Jupiter West, FL
bdhungana2023@fau.edu

Education

Master of Science in Geosciences - GIS Concentration

2023 - 2024

Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA

Grade: 4.0/4.0

Major Courses: GIS, Geospatial Databases, Spatial Data Analysis, Programming in GIS with Python, WebGIS, Graduate Research, Flood Risk Assessment

Bachelor of Geomatics Engineering

2016 - 2021

Tribhuvan University, Western Regional Campus, Nepal

Thesis: Application of DGPS and UAVs in Cadastral Survey, their Comparative Study and Statistical Analysis

Grade: 3.64/4.0

Major Courses: Fundamentals of Programming with C, Object Oriented Programming with C++, GIS, Design and Implementation of GIS, Computation Techniques, Numerical Methods, Cartography, Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry, Probability and Statistics, Object Oriented Programming, Python for Geospatial Applications

Training & portfolio

Esri Moocs:

Cartography, Spatial Data Science, Going Places with Spatial Analysis, Transform AEC Projects with GIS and BIM, Imagery in Action, WebGIS Basics, GIS in Climate Action

Coursera portfolio

Geographic Information System Specialization (GIS), by UC Davies

GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis Specialization, by University of Toronto

Data Science: Foundations using R Specialization, by John Hopkins University

Machine Learning Specialization, by DeepLearning.AI

Remote Sensing Image Acquisition, Analysis and Application, by UNSW Canberra

Introduction to Databases, by Meta

NASA ARSET Trainings:

NASA Earth Observations for Energy Management

Satellite Remote Sensing for Measuring Urban Heat Islands and Constructing Heat Vulnerability Indices

Evaluating Ecosystem Services with Remote Sensing

Monitoring and Modeling Floods Using Earth Observations

Monitoring Water Quality of Inland Lakes using Remote Sensing

Accessing and Analyzing Air Quality Data from Geostationary Satellites

Selecting Climate Change Projection Sets for Mitigation, Adaptation, and Risk Management Applications

Application of NASA SPoRT-Land Information System (SPoRT-LIS) Soil Moisture Data for Drought

Satellite Data for Air Quality Environmental Justice and Equity Applications

Building Climate Risk Assessments from Local Vulnerability and Exposure

Transforming Earth Observation (EO) Data into Building Infrastructure Data Sets for Disaster Risk Modeling

Assessing the Impacts of Fires on Watershed Health

Fundamentals of Machine Learning for Earth Science

Professional Experience

Data Scientist (Geospatial and AI)

April 2025 - Present

The Spear Group – On Behalf of Florida Power and Light (FPLAir / NextVision), Jupiter West, FL

Technical lead for AI/ML image recognition workflows, designing and validating deep learning models for power equipment segmentation, damage detection, and classification across 30+ asset types and 400+ condition classes.
Served as product-facing technical lead for image and metadata management portals, translating business requirements into technical solutions; partnered with developers on API design, testing, and system enhancements.
Led the design and implementation of image data pipelines, including metadata schema development, conditional assessment data integration, and large-scale image ingestion.
Coordinated with global vendors on AI model development initiatives, driving model validation, benchmarking, and feedback cycles.
Develop and maintain end-to-end geospatial data pipelines for GIS and LiDAR workflows, integrating deep learning models for image analysis and predictive modeling.
Design and manage enterprise geospatial infrastructure, including spatial databases (PostgreSQL/PostGIS) and cloud-native architectures using AWS (Lambda, S3, SageMaker).
Build and deploy GIS applications using Esri technologies (ArcGIS Enterprise/Online, Experience Builder, Dashboards); collaborate with cross-functional teams on interactive, data-driven solutions.

Associate Geospatial Analyst

Sep 2024 - Mar 2025

The Spear Group - On Behalf of Florida Power & Light

Conducted quality control (QA/QC) of LiDAR-derived power grid data to ensure integrity and accuracy for infrastructure resilience initiatives like pole hardening.
Managed PostgreSQL/PostGIS databases, optimized Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFFs, and implemented automated workflows using FME to streamline data storage and access.
Supported restoration efforts by developing spatial data products using Web Maps, ArcGIS Dashboards, and static mapping to enhance situational awareness during Hurricane Milton.
Automated data processing workflows and geospatial analyses using Python, ArcPy, and Model Builder, improving operational efficiency and data consistency.

Graduate Research Assistant

Jan 2023 - Aug 2024

Center for Water Resiliency and Risk Reduction, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

Directed advanced flood risk assessment projects, utilizing Esri Model Builder, Python automation and geospatial analysis to enhance efficiency and accuracy in flood modeling predictions for multiple Florida communities.
Implemented GIS with hydraulic/hydrologic models using FEMA methods, significantly improving flood area prediction accuracy through spatial analysis and statistical modeling.
Developed and managed an automated geoprocessing pipeline in ArcGIS Pro, reducing processing times by 50%, enhancing data management, and generating comprehensive flood risk reports.
Provided extensive training and support in flood mapping and prediction, developing tutorials, semi-automated report generation, and delivering presentations.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

May 2023 - Jul 2023

Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

Conducted GIS lab classes, managed troubleshooting of technical issues in ArcGIS Pro, and graded lab assignments.

Geomatics Engineer

Dec 2021 - Dec 2022

Freelance, Myagdi, Nepal

Served as a GIS expert for the Survey Department of Nepal, training over 40 local officials in spatial analysis, database management, and mapping.
Led a survey team for municipal road surveys, creating detailed maps and longitudinal/cross-section drawings.
Performed GPS-based survey of important landmarks and prepared a tourist map for a municipality.
Performed UAV-based survey for topographic and local resource mapping for a local unit of Myagdi district.

GIS Intern

Dec 2020 - Nov 2021

ADMC Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal

Designed and developed an integrated geodatabase for a municipality, incorporating data from land use, soil, land capability, cadastral parcels, and resources.
Implemented topological and attribute rules to ensure data integrity, conducting data review, and rectifying errors.
Conducted surveying for topographic mapping, road construction, and transmission lines using differential GNSS and UAV technology.
Prepared report drafts and presented findings to stakeholders.

Publications

Dhungana, B.; Liu, W. Urban–Rural Exposure to Flood Hazard and Social Vulnerability in the Conterminous United States. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2024, 13, 339. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi13090339.

Personal and Course Projects

FPL Customers Restoration Dashboard: Dashboard for Real-time County Wise Visualization of Number of Customers Affected, Restored and Out of Service Status by Using Enterprise Feature Service and ArcGIS Enterprise
Air Pollution in Florida: Dashboard for Visualization of Mean Daily Average Fine Particular Matter (PM2.5) with Automatic Update Tool
Predictive Modeling of Voter Turnout (2016) Distribution at Census Tract Level for Florida Using Forest-Based Classification and Regression
Suitable Locations for Corporate Headquarters with Minimal Carbon Footprint in Hardee County, Florida: A Suitability Modeling Approach
Agricultural Land Suitability Analysis Based on Physical Factors: A Case Study of Makwanpur District, Nepal
Multi-temporal land cover mapping and prediction using Google Earth Engine
Dynamic time series web map dashboard for visualizing population trends in Nepal (1981 to 2011)
Covid spread web-mapping and updating using Leaflet and GeoDjango
Real-time Geo-spatial data visualization with Google Data Studio, Folium, Kepler GL, and Jupyter Lab using Python
Analyze Covid-19 Geo-spatial data with Python
AI-Powered Chest Disease Detection and Classification
Climate Geo-spatial Analysis on Python with Xarray
Getting Started with BigQuery GIS for Data Analysts
Deep Learning with PyTorch: Image Segmentation
UAV flight planning, image capture, and processing: Orthophoto generation of Pashchimanchal Campus
LIDAR(LAS) dataset processing-creation of intensity images, DSM/DEM generation.
Inundation Mapping using SAR image in Google Earth Engine
Footprint mapping in flood-prone regions of Gaur, Nepal in OSM
Hydrological modeling and simulation using HEC-RAS and inundation mapping using ArcGIS

Professional Development and Community Engagement

Science Olympiad 2024 - Supervisor at the Road Scholar competition at Florida Atlantic University
Florida Society of Geographers Annual Conference 2024: Poster Presentation Competition - Winner
FOSS4G NA Baltimore 2023 - Attended and volunteered
South Florida GIS Expo 2023 - Volunteered as a moderator
Science Olympiad 2023 - Supervisor at the Road Scholar competition at Florida Atlantic University
Explore FAU 2023 - Representing Geosciences department at Florida Atlantic University
Festivals of Nations, 2023 - Florida Atlantic University
Relief Fund Collection: Landslide-affected people & for a student needing aortic valve replacement surgery
Annual Engineering expo: Vector and Vector 2.0 - Pokhara
Member - Nepali Student Association (NSA) at Florida Atlantic University

Portfolio

I have mostly worked in GIS and Remote Sensing, flood simulation, and statistical analysis. Though I am not allowed to share the work I have done for my organizations, following are some projects from different workshops, training, and course projects