Bishal Dhungana

I'm

About

Graduate Student: MS in Geosciences

I’m a Geospatial Data Scientist, a recent Geoscience graduate, and a dedicated Geomatics Engineer with a deep focus on GIS, remote sensing, and geoAI. 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: Palm Beach gardens, FL, USA
  • Email: bdhungana2023@fau.edu
  • Age: 25
  • Degree: Masters

Geospatial Data Scientist

As a Geospatial Data Scientist for Florida Power & Light and NextEra Energy (via The Spear Group), I design and deploy advanced geospatial solutions to support renewable energy, infrastructure resilience, and grid modernization. I also specialize in automating large-scale spatial workflows using LiDAR, imagery, deep learning, and cloud-native tools like AWS Lambda and S3. Also, I build GIS applications within the Esri ecosystem, leveraging ArcGIS, ArcPy, FME, and PostGIS for analytics and infrastructure planning. With a background in geological sciences and geomatics engineering, I apply data science, machine learning, and spatial statistics to enhance operations, situational awareness, and energy system resilience.

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

Sumary

Bishal Dhungana

Geospatial & Remote Sensing Analyst practicing flood risk mitigation efforts in SW-Florida, collaborating with local communities to enhance flood structures' efficiency amidst rising sea levels. Proficient in Python scripting for GIS data analysis, MS in Geosciences student specializing in GIS & Remote Sensing. Demonstrated expertise in predictive modeling, land use analysis, and UAV surveying for infrastructure planning. Excels in data visualization, machine learning, and leveraging diverse GIS tools to address complex spatial challenges.

  • Boca Raton, FL
  • bdhungana2023@fau.edu

Education

Master of Science in Geosciences

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

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

Bachelor of Geomatics Engineering

2016 - 2021

Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Thesis: Application of DGPS and UAVs in Cadastral Survey, their Comparative Study and Statistical Analysis, Pokhara-16, Nepal

Grade: 3.64

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)

        April 2025 - Present

        The Spear Group – Working on behalf of Florida Power & Light (FPLAir / NextVision)

        • Developing automated geospatial workflows using Python, ArcPy, and ModelBuilder to support infrastructure monitoring and renewable energy initiatives.
        • Processing and classifying LiDAR point clouds using PDAL for power grid and topographic mapping projects.
        • Implementing deep learning techniques for image analysis and feature extraction to support remote sensing applications.
        • Designing and maintaining cloud-based pipelines with AWS Lambda and S3 for scalable spatial data processing.
        • Building FME workflows to generate Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFFs, manipulate spatial databases, and perform complex PostGIS queries.
        • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create GIS applications, dashboards, and visualizations for data-driven decision-making.

        Associate Geospatial Analyst

        Sep 2024 - March 2025

        The Spear Group - Working on behalf of Florida Power and Lights

        • Supported the FPLAir Mapping team with the creation and management of databases for restoration, monitoring, damage assessment, and asset-weather association during Hurricane Milton, utilizing spatial joins, Web Maps, Web Apps, and ArcGIS Dashboards to enhance situational awareness.
        • Performed quality assessment and quality control of Lidar-derived 2D and 3D network data received from vendors, ensuring data integrity and reliability for critical analyses.
        • Automated multiple enterprise GIS analyses and layout exports using ArcPy and Model Builder, streamlining workflows and increasing efficiency in data processing and presentation.

        Graduate Research Assistant

        Jan 2023 - Aug 2024

        Center for Water Resiliency and Risk Reduction, Florida Atlantic University

        • Automated geoprocessing, map generation, and report creation pipeline in ArcGIS Pro for multi-year, multi-scale, and multi-scenario flood modeling using high-resolution LiDAR DEM in CASCADE 2001.
        • Collaborated with SW-Florida communities to enhance Community Rating System (CRS) scores by evaluating flood structures' efficiency in flood simulation and proposing solutions for mitigating potential risks due to sea level rise.
        • Managed large vector and raster datasets, defined map layouts and symbology, and published them as layers, web maps, and web applications.
        • Developed tutorials, provided training and support, and reviewed geodatabase, map, and report preparation work on flood mapping and prediction.
        • Leveraged large geospatial data to conduct spatial and statistical analysis and modeling for identifying social variables and their relationship with flood vulnerability.
        • Conducted GIS lab classes, troubleshooting technical issues in ArcGIS Pro, and grading lab assignments.

        Geomatics Engineer

        Dec 2021 - Dec 2022

        Freelancer, Myagdi, Nepal

        • Served as GIS expert in the land use data hand-over program of the Survey Department, Nepal, providing training on spatial analysis, database update and management, and mapping to over 40 local-level officials and engineers.
        • Led a team of surveyors for control, engineering, and construction surveys of municipal roads, and produced detailed maps and drawings.
        • Conducted GPS-based survey of important landmarks and prepared tourist maps for municipalities.
        • 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

        • All
        • GIS and Remote Sensing
        • Web Development
        • Others

        Certificates

        I have attended numerous online and in-person training, webinars, and workshops that have helped me sharpen my skills in the geospatial field

        Contact

        Please take a moment to provide your details and inquiries by filling out the contact form below. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

        Location:

        Boca Raton, Florida, FL 33486