Sai Ganesh Veeravalli
Welcome to my space!
As a PhD Researcher and a seasoned GIS and Remote Sensing professional, I am passionate about unravelling the complexities of urban and coastal environments through innovative geospatial methodologies. Currently, my research at Karlstad University focuses on mapping and modelling deprived urban areas (DUAs) as part of the DEPRIMAP project, integrating morphometrics, machine learning, and geospatial data to address challenges in urban resilience and sustainable development.
From crafting detailed maps to piloting drones for data collection, my career has been an exciting journey at the intersection of technology and environmental inquiry. My prior work spans coastal mapping, including shoreline change assessments and dune morphology studies, as well as innovative UAV projects for wildlife management and environmental monitoring.
Beyond research, I find joy in teaching and storytelling. Whether it's delivering lectures on UAV applications or designing interactive web apps and story maps, I strive to make complex geospatial concepts accessible and engaging. My love for photography and videography complements my technical expertise, enabling me to capture the essence of places and share impactful narratives.
With a commitment to collaboration and lifelong learning, I am part of global networks such as the IDEAMAPS Network and UN-Habitat, working with researchers and practitioners worldwide to tackle pressing urban and environmental challenges.
Let's connect and work towards creating a more resilient and sustainable future together.
Academic Background
Doctor of Philosophy - Risk and Environmental Studies (2024-Ongoing)
Karlstad University - Karlstad, Sweden
I am currently pursuing my PhD as part of the interdisciplinary DEPRIMAP project at Karlstad University. My research focuses on mapping and modelling deprived urban areas (DUAs), leveraging advanced geospatial techniques such as morphometrics and machine learning. This work aims to unravel the dynamics of DUAs in the Majority World, fostering evidence-based sustainable urban planning.
Collaborating across the departments of Risk and Environmental Studies and Geomatics, my research integrates urban morphology, vulnerability assessments, and risk modelling. Additionally, I am actively engaged in teaching geomatics and UAV applications. I also participate in global networks such as IDEAMAPS and UN-Habitat, advancing geospatial methodologies for urban and environmental resilience.
Master of Science - Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation | Specializing in Urban Planning and Geoinformation Management (2018-2020)
Faculty ITC, University of Twente - Enschede, The Netherlands
Educated at the globally acclaimed Faculty ITC, my academic odyssey through GIS and Remote sensing was marked by rigorous coursework and intensive research. The initial modules fortified my foundational knowledge, succeeded by specialized courses that expanded my prowess in applying geospatial science to real-world challenges - urban planning, transportation, climate change, disaster preparedness, and environmental planning. My research interests converged on urban resilience, culminating in a thesis analyzing flood mitigation behavior in Kampala, Uganda, aimed at understanding the behavioral impacts on decision-making for planning better interventions and policies to withstand recurrent floods and keep businesses afloat during times of crisis.
During my tenure at EMI, Philippines, I translated this knowledge into practice, working on projects that positioned GIS and Remote sensing as pivotal tools for urban resilience, including the development of educational materials.
Bachelor of Technology - Civil Engineering with Honors (2014-2018)
Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar - Gandhinagar, India
IIT Gandhinagar's Civil Engineering program offered a profound exploration into a mix of theoretical concepts and practical applications. Courses spanned soil mechanics, structural analysis, solid mechanics, and fluid mechanics, and included specialized subjects such as geospatial engineering and remote sensing of land and water resources. This was complemented by engineering design in concrete, steel, and masonry, as well as management studies in construction technology, transportation, and water quality.
My academic curiosity led me to immerse in additional courses and projects beyond the curriculum, focusing on the applications of GIS and Remote sensing in urban planning. Through in-depth and semester-long projects, I analyzed the urban heat island effect, land surface temperature variations, and the ecological impacts on urban landscapes across several Indian cities. This proactive engagement with geospatial technologies propelled me towards pursuing advanced studies at Faculty ITC, University of Twente.
