Tag Archives: GIS

STRUCTURAL TOPIC MODELLING WORKSHOP – DAY 2

STRUCTURAL TOPIC MODELLING WORKSHOP – DAY 2

Back in action for Day 2 of our Structural Topic Modelling (STM) workshop, and this time I was able to join the team. It was great to engage directly in the session and see how everyone has progressed with this powerful analytical technique.

A special moment during the session was a surprise celebration for our August birthday babies. A simple gesture, but one that made the atmosphere even more lively and connected. We had chocolate cake, nasi dagang, pizza and coffee (its a mixed generations). 

Workshops like this are not just about technical knowledge, but also about building a strong and supportive research culture. Grateful for the spirit and effort everyone brought into the room.

Huge thanks again to Usman Mehmood for leading the training with clarity and depth. Here’s to more sessions that grow both our minds and our bonds.

#structuraltopicmodelling #stmworkshop #researchculture #academiclife #postgradtraining #geospatialresearch #labcommunity #birthdaycelebration #datascience #utmresearch

STRUCTURAL TOPIC MODELLING WORKSHOP – DAY 1

STRUCTURAL TOPIC MODELLING WORKSHOP – DAY 1

Kicked off a two-day Structural Topic Modelling (STM) workshop organized by our 3D City Modelling research lab. This is our lab’s initiative to sharpen our research skills. 

Today’s session was led by Usman Mehmood, one of our talented lab members who’s been hands-on with this analytical method.

Unfortunately, due to other urgent commitments, I couldn’t be part of the session today, but the learning continues regardless. I’m proud to see the team step up and take the lead in building knowledge together.

This workshop focuses on enhancing our research with data-driven topic modelling using STM, a powerful approach for uncovering themes and trends from textual data. It’s part of our commitment to always push forward with innovative techniques in geospatial and data science.

Here’s a short video from today’s session, just a glimpse of what’s happening. Stay tuned, more updates will follow!

#StructuralTopicModelling #STMWorkshop #GeospatialResearch #ResearchLabLife #KnowledgeSharing #PostgradResearch #DataScienceInResearch #AcademicGrowth #UTM

A GEOINFORMATION-BASED SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM – PATENT GRANTED!

A GEOINFORMATION-BASED SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM – PATENT GRANTED!

After five years of waiting, it’s finally official – our invention “A Geoinformation-Based Search and Rescue System” has been granted patent MY-209770-A by MyIPO Malaysia on 2 August 2025.

The story of this idea:

It all began in 2019, when this concept won first place at the Kenyalang Mapping Technologies Competition. We are all over the media. Unexpected but an exciting experience!

The following year, 2020, I extended the idea into some game-changing innovation, then we went for the patent application. We passed the assessments and got the patent filing. Alhamdulillah. 

In 2021, it went on to win the Ultimate Grand Prize at the Seoul International Invention Fair, beating all global competitors – the first in Malaysia’s history to ever achieve that. Until now, to the best of my knowledge, no one else from Malaysia has done it again. I am proud to give a speech at the international podium as Malaysian! Malaysia boleh!

And now, after years of persistence, 2025, we’re proud to see it finally granted.

This system empowers search and rescue missions through real-time communication and geospatial coordination among victims, teams, vehicles, and drones. A true step forward in disaster response tech.

Inventors:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhamad Uznir Ujang (Head)

Prof. Dr. Zulkepli Majid

Dr. Nor Suhaibah Azri

Dr. Azman Ariffin

Patent Owner: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Application No.: PI2020006996

Filed on: 23 December 2020

Granted on: 2 August 2025

This achievement reminds us that innovation takes time, but perseverance pays off.

Let this serve the greater good in emergency response and smart geospatial solutions.

#GeospatialInnovation #SearchAndRescue #PatentGranted #DisasterManagement #SmartRescue #MyIPO #UTM #GIS4Good #Geoinformation #Innovation #FromIdeaToImpact

CONGRATULATIONS TO USMAN ON HIS SUCCESSFUL PHD VIVA DEFENSE

CONGRATULATIONS TO USMAN ON HIS SUCCESSFUL PHD VIVA DEFENSE

I am proud to share that my PhD student, Usman, has successfully defended his viva presentation this morning and passed with flying colors. The entire session, from the start of his presentation to the final verdict, took only 1.5 hours, making it one of the fastest viva sessions recorded.

His research focuses on the development of a 3D spatio-temporal management model for high-rise building maintenance, offering innovative solutions for efficient and data-driven maintenance planning in urban environments.

In addition to the swift and confident defense, his thesis was recommended for Merit by both internal and external examiners. This distinction reflects the highest level of academic recognition and speaks to the outstanding quality of his research.

Congratulations once again, Dr. Usman, on this remarkable achievement. Your dedication, perseverance, and excellence throughout your PhD journey have truly paid off.

#PhDViva #DrUsman #3DSpatioTemporal #BuildingMaintenance #SmartCityResearch #HighRiseInnovation #ResearchExcellence #MeritAward #ProudSupervisor

MY BOOK CHAPTER TALK IN BERLIN

MY BOOK CHAPTER TALK IN BERLIN

Besides writing journal papers, I enjoy working on books and book chapters. One example is this chapter I wrote titled “An Overview of Advances in Geoinformatics Technologies: Facilities and Utilities Optimization and Management for Smart City Applications”.

I enjoy this kind of writing because it helps raise awareness and spark new ideas about what’s possible in our geospatial science field.

Today, I’m excited that I’ve been invited to give a talk about this chapter at the Global Summit on Advances in Recycling and Waste Management in Berlin, Germany, this September 29–30, 2025.

I’m happy to know that the book has contributed to the community. I hope the session will offer something valuable and inspiring to those attending!

#Geoinformatics #SmartCities #BookChapter #AcademicWriting #UrbanInnovation #Sustainability #GIS #3DModeling #SmartCitySolutions #GlobalSummit #Berlin2025 #ResearchImpact

KEYNOTE SPEAKER TALK – INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WATER, ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND SOCIETY (ICWEES 2025)

Keynote Abstract:

The keynote by Associate Professor Uznir Ujang explores the transformative potential of integrating 3D Geospatial Information Systems (3D GIS) with Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) for tackling urban challenges related to environmental quality, water systems, and energy efficiency. Traditional 2D geospatial methods often fall short in capturing the complexities of urban dynamics. This talk introduces a new paradigm where advanced 3D city models, enhanced by AI-driven spatial analytics, topological structures, and temporal intelligence, offer innovative solutions for resilient city planning.

Key real-world case studies, such as urban air quality visualization, traffic noise propagation, wind flow analysis, and voxel-based environmental simulations, demonstrate how this convergence of technologies can revolutionize decision-making. With data acquisition methods like LiDAR, UAVs, and CityGML semantic modeling, cities can leverage precise, intelligent tools to address sustainability challenges.

Join us as we discuss the future of integrating 3D geospatial intelligence into global sustainability frameworks and urban agendas.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ABDULLAH AHMAD (UKM)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ABDULLAH AHMAD

Warm congratulations to Abdullah bin Ahmad (P127080) from the Department of Civil Engineering, UKM, for successfully completing his Master of Science viva voce! He is a senior engineer at the Public Works Department (JKR). 

His thesis focused on a highly relevant topic: GeoBIM Data Structure for Sewer System, which I believe is a crucial area in advancing infrastructure management through geospatial and BIM integration. From my view, the nation needs more awareness on the importance of GeoBIM. It is good to have more research like Abdullah’s. 

The session was held on 14 April 2025 (Monday), at 9:30 a.m. at the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, UKM Bangi.

I was honored to serve as the External Examiner, representing Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

The viva panel included:

Chairperson: Prof. Ir. Dr. Siti Rozaimah Sheikh Abdullah (JKKP, FKAB)

Internal Examiner: Sr. Ts. Dr. Noraini Hamzah (JKA, FKAB)

Main Supervisor: Lt. Kol. Bersekutu (PA) Prof. Madya Ts. Gs. Sr. Dr. Khairul Nizam Abdul Maulud (JKA, FKAB)

Thank you to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) for the trust and opportunity. It’s always a privilege to contribute to academic quality and support innovative research through external examiner roles.

Wishing the candidate every success in future research and practice!

#congratulations #externalexaminer #geobim #civilengineering #ukm #utm #vivaexamination #postgraduatestudies #academiccontribution #researchquality

KEYNOTE TALK: GEOAI-DRIVEN 3D URBAN MODELLING

KEYNOTE TALK: GEOAI-DRIVEN 3D URBAN MODELLING

It’s an honour to be given a 45-minute keynote slot, an academic recognition that reflects trust from the international scientific community. 

Unlike typical paper presentations, a keynote isn’t just about showing results. It’s about vision. Future directions. Inspiring researchers across disciplines.

Sharing how Geospatial Science matters, whether it’s for noise modelling, wind flow, water systems, or urban resilience. This keynote is my way of showing how 3D City Modelling and GeoAI can drive meaningful applications across sectors.

Just an abstract for today. The rest of the presentation notes will be drafted later. 

#keynotetalk #geospatialscience #geoai #3dgis #urbanmodelling #smartcities #climateaction #academicrecognition #internationalconference #utm

3D GIS Lab Iftar Gathering 2025

3D GIS Lab Iftar Gathering 2025

Yesterday, we’re treating the entire lab to iftar. It was a wonderful evening spent with my postgraduate students at our annual Iftar session! Great food, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of camaraderie made it a truly memorable event.

Date: 13 March 2025

Venue: Gleneagles Terrace Restaurant, Pulai Springs Resort

In research, we push boundaries, tackle challenges, and work tirelessly towards innovation. But moments like this remind us that beyond hard work, we need time to connect, reflect, and recharge. A well-balanced journey is what keeps us moving forward.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined and made this gathering special. Looking forward to more moments like this in the future!

SUCCESSFUL VIVA FOR UiTM MASTER’S STUDENT!

SUCCESSFUL VIVA FOR UiTM MASTER’S STUDENT!

Congratulations to Muhammad Naim Bin Ramli from UiTM Shah Alam for successfully defending his Master of Science (Built Environment) thesis! His research, titled “Development of Precision Disease Mapping for Tuberculosis Using UAV and GIS Techniques,” showcases the power of geospatial technology in tackling public health challenges.

It was an honor to serve as the External Examiner for this viva examination. The panel included:

Chairperson: Prof. Madya LAr Ts Dr. Alamah Misni (UiTM Puncak Alam)

External Examiner: Prof. Madya Ts. Gs. Sr Dr. Muhamad Uznir Ujang (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)

Internal Examiner: Gs Dr. Nafisah Khalid (UiTM Shah Alam)

Main Supervisor: Prof. Madya Ts Gs Dr. Abdul Rauf Abdul Rasam (UiTM Shah Alam)

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Mohd Adly Bin Rosly (UiTM Perlis)

Minutes-Taker: Dr. Fazly Amir Mohd (UiTM Perlis)

Wishing Muhammad Naim all the best in his future research and career. May this milestone open more doors in the geospatial and health research fields!

#VivaSuccess #GeospatialHealth #GISForPublicHealth #UAVMapping #AcademicAchievement #UiTM #GISResearch