Category Archives: Geospatial

A Proud Supervisor Moment! 🌟 Celebrating ‘Pasukan Five Hundred’ at the ASEAN Geospatial Challenge 2026

I am incredibly honored and proud to share that my students—representing Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)—have been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Merit at the recent ASEAN Geospatial Challenge 2026!

It has been an absolute privilege to help this dedicated team, Pasukan Five Hundred. Guiding them through the intensive preparation process, watching them brainstorm, refine their technical concepts, and push their limits to innovate sustainable geospatial solutions has been a truly inspiring journey for me.

Join me in congratulating these brilliant minds:

  • Nur Farihan binti Abd Rahim (PhD in Geoinformatics)
  • Mohd Nizar bin Hashim (PhD in Geoinformatics)
  • Muhammad Hanis bin Rashidan (PhD in Geoinformatics)
  • Nurul Asyiqin binti Mohd Salleh (Master in Geoinformatics)

Your hard work, perseverance, and teamwork have truly paid off. This ASEAN-level recognition is just the beginning of your bright futures in the geospatial industry. The Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU) and I are beyond proud of your achievement!

Let’s keep innovating and driving impactful solutions for a better tomorrow. 🗺️💡

#UTM #Geoinformatics #ASEANGeospatialChallenge #ProudSupervisor #Geospatial #InnovatingSustainableSolutions #TeamSuccess #AcademicJourney #FABU #Malaysia

Sustaining Excellence in National Standards: Progressing the NSC 07/TC 2 Agenda

Continuity is vital in the complex world of standardization. I recently attended the latest session of the Technical Committee on Geographic Information/Geomatics (NSC 07/TC 2), continuing my role as a representative for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

This meeting was a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to refine Malaysia’s geospatial framework. We are currently in the final stages of reviewing two critical documents:

1. MS 1759 (Amendment): Geographic information/geomatics – Feature and attribute codes.

2. MS 2039 (Amendment): Addresses – Standard Format – Requirements.

By consistently revisiting and enhancing these standards, we ensure that our national data infrastructure remains synchronized with technological advancements and industry demands.

Our work doesn’t stop at the national level. As part of our committee’s ongoing commitment to international excellence, we also finalized preparations for Malaysia’s active participation in the global ISO technical meetings. This May 2026, our journey continues in Ottawa, Canada, where we will represent Malaysia’s interests and stay aligned with global geospatial trends.

Being part of this long-term process is a rewarding experience. It’s about ensuring that the foundation we build today supports the digital and geospatial innovations of tomorrow.

#Geospatial #Geomatics #UTM #ISOStandards #NationalStandards #MS1759 #MS2039 #Standardization #Ottawa2026 #GlobalCollaboration #ContinuousImprovement #TechnicalCommittee

The Journey Continues: Advancing the Multi-Lingual Glossary of Terms (MLGT) for Geospatial Standards

Continuity is the key to precision. I recently resumed my role as Chairperson for the Multi-Lingual Glossary of Terms (MLGT) Working Group under NSC7/TC2, continuing our vital mission to bridge the gap between global ISO standards and our national language.

Our task remains steadfast: translating complex English technical terms from ISO documents into Bahasa Melayu, ensuring every definition carries the exact technical weight required for the geospatial and geographic communities.

Progress Report: Staying the Course

In our latest session, we focused on “pemutihan” (refinement) and alignment, ensuring our work is perfectly synchronized with the ISO Geolexica portal and ready for integration into the PRPM by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).

  • Current Milestone: 329 terms have now been successfully translated.
  • Latest Refinement: 19 terms underwent a rigorous review to ensure absolute alignment with international standards.
  • Efficiency in Selection: 224 terms were deprecated to ensure our glossary remains concise and relevant.
  • The Road Ahead: With approximately 900 terms still on the horizon, the process continues.

Standardizing a technical language is a marathon, not a sprint. By persisting in this work, we are ensuring that our local professionals have the clarity they need to implement global best practices with confidence.

Proud of the steady progress we are making, one term at a time.

#Geospatial #ISOStandards #MLGT #Standardization #NationalMapping #DBP #Geolexica #GeographicInformation #ProfessionalLeadership #BahasaMelayu #TechnicalTranslation

New Publication Alert!: Bridging Spatial Data Sharing and Smart City Innovation

I am excited to share that my latest research chapter, “Spatial Data Sharing in Smart Cities Implementation: A Systematic Literature Review,” has been published by Springer Nature!

As cities worldwide transition into “Smart Cities,” the ability to share, integrate, and visualize spatial data—from GIS and remote sensing to drone technology—becomes the backbone of urban sustainability and citizen well-being.

Key Insights from the Chapter:

~ Global Trends: Our systematic review (using the PSALSAR technique) highlights that the Asian region, particularly China, is leading the discourse in this field.
~ Core Challenges: We scrutinized five critical areas—Technology, Data Quality, Social impact, Environmental factors, and Governance.
~ Future Roadmaps: The study outlines four strategic directions, including empowering community collaboration in Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and transforming governance toward “Spatial Enablement.”

In an era where “Location Intelligence” drives decision-making, understanding the hurdles of data compatibility, security, and accessibility is crucial for researchers and urban planners alike.

🔗 Read the full chapter here: https://lnkd.in/gnXVKftG

A big thank you to the editorial team for bringing this comprehensive review to life. I hope this work serves as a valuable resource for those shaping the future of our urban ecosystems.

#SmartCities#SpatialData#GIS#SpringerNature#ResearchPublication#UrbanPlanning#DigitalTransformation#SDI#LocationIntelligence#AcademicWriting

Strengthening Data Collaboration for Wildlife Sustainability at JTS, Kuching

Despite the heavy rain in Kuching since early morning, our spirits remained high as we gathered at the Land and Survey Department (JTS) for a strategic discussion regarding the research grant led by Dr. Noordyana.

Our focus was centered on the project: “Database Development on Socio-economic Management for Wildlife Tourism and Conservation.” This session was crucial as it involved coordinating the integration and management of databases developed through this grant for the benefit of all relevant agencies.

A heartfelt thank you to our strategic partners for their invaluable insights during our session at JTS including JTS, SFC, SAINS and other participants from Land Office and Resident’s Office.

The synergy between academia and government agencies is the cornerstone of ensuring that socio-economic management in wildlife tourism and conservation is driven by accurate, centralized data.

I am hopeful that the outcomes of today’s discussion will yield long-term positive impacts for all stakeholders and for the natural heritage of Sarawak.

#WildlifeConservation #DataManagement #Sarawak #ResearchGrant #Sustainability #SocioEconomic #EcoTourism #ConservationData #JTS #Kuching

Advancing National Data Ecosystems: AI & Geospatial Integration in BUDI95

I am deeply honored to be featured in Bernama alongside Dr. Mohamad Shukor Talib, discussing the future of national data management.

Our feature highlights how BUDI95 (an integrated database system) is not just a repository, but a potential cornerstone for a National Data Management Ecosystem. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geospatial Technologies, we can transform raw data into actionable insights for more precise and impactful decision-making.

A huge thank you to Bernama for providing a platform to share these academic perspectives. We believe that the synergy between advanced technology and robust data frameworks is the key to a more digitally resilient Malaysia.

🔗 Read the full feature here: BERNAMA – BUDI95 Berpotensi Jadi Ekosistem Pengurusan Data Nasional

#Bernama #BUDI95 #DataScience #AI #Geospatial #NationalDataEcosystem #AcademicInsight #DigitalMalaysia #TechForGood

Geeking out over Geospatial at IGRSM Talk 2026/1!

I had the absolute pleasure of moderating today’s IGRSM Talk 2026/1, and what a way to kick off the year! It’s not every day you get to bridge the conversation between the complexities of the deep sea and the urgent needs of global sustainability.

We had two heavyweights in the industry today who truly brought their A-game. My notebook is full, and my mind is buzzing with new perspectives:

Rear Admiral Dr. Najhan bin Md Said (Director General, NHC) – The Admiral gave us a masterclass on “Building Malaysia’s Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure.” It was fascinating to hear how we are moving toward “Smarter Maritime Governance.” It’s clear that managing our vast waters isn’t just about drawing lines on a map; it’s about creating a coordinated, high-tech pathway that links data, policy, and sovereignty.

Gs. Danesh Prakash Chacko (Jeffrey Sachs Centre, Sunway University) – Danesh delivered a powerful reality check on “Sustainability: The Role of GIS.” He showed us that GIS isn’t just a supporting tool for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—it is the very backbone that allows us to measure, visualize, and actually achieve them. His passion for using open data to solve real-world environmental challenges is always infectious!

As a moderator, what struck me most was the synergy between these two topics. Whether we are looking at the sea floor or our urban landscapes, the “Spatial” element is what ties everything together.

A huge thank you to the IGRSM committee for the invitation, to our esteemed speakers for their time, and to the participants for the high-level engagement in the Q&A. The energy in the virtual room today proves that the geospatial community in Malaysia is not just growing—it’s leading.


Stay safe, stay spatial, and see you at the next one!

hashtag#IGRSM hashtag#GIS hashtag#Hydrography hashtag#Sustainability hashtag#SDGs hashtag#GeoAI hashtag#SpatialData hashtag#MalaysiaGeospatial hashtag#MaritimeGovernance hashtag#LifeOfAModerator

GeoConnect 25 Visit — Antaragrafik Systems Sdn Bhd

Last week, the GeoConnect 25 delegation had an insightful visit to Antaragrafik Systems Sdn Bhd, one of Malaysia’s leading geospatial solution providers with over three decades of experience in end-to-end geospatial, mapping, and surveying services.

During the visit, we were welcomed by the CEO, Dato’ Sr. Hj. Nor Azman Baharum, along with the Chief of Sales and several team members, who shared rich insights into the company’s history, vision, and future direction in the geospatial industry. Their presentation highlighted Antaragrafik’s journey since its establishment in 1995 and its strong commitment to delivering comprehensive geospatial solutions across sectors.

We were also introduced to advanced technologies currently used in the field, including:
• Hybrid aerial photogrammetry cameras that support precision airborne data capture
• Hybrid mobile TLF systems for versatile terrestrial surveying
• Automated total station equipment for efficient and accurate geospatial measurement

These demonstrations provided participants with practical exposure to cutting-edge tools driving modern geospatial practices.

The session continued with interactive quizzes, Q&A, and hands-on activities — where students got the chance to try out the equipment and deepen their understanding of how such technologies are applied in real-world geospatial workflows.

A big thank you to the team at Antaragrafik for the warm reception and knowledge sharing, and to the students from the Geoinfo Club, UTM, for coordinating logistics and engagement throughout the visit.

#GeoConnect25 #Antaragrafik #Geospatial #Geomatics #RemoteSensing #Innovation #UTM #Geoinformatics #IndustryEngagement

GeoConnect ’25 – Lawatan ke Pusat Geospatial Negara

Last Tuesday, the GeoConnect 25 delegation had an enriching visit to the Pusat Geospatial Negara (PGN) — the national authority coordinating geospatial data and standards in Malaysia under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.

We were welcomed and had a productive discussion with Director of PGN, Rusliza Hanim binti Maarif, gaining strategic insights into PGN’s role in driving geospatial coordination, data sharing, and national spatial data infrastructure.

The session continued with a comprehensive presentation by Sr Dr. Noor Anim Zanariah binti Yahaya, where she elaborated on the functions, history, and key initiatives of PGN — from policy development and standards to outreach and technical reference services.

We also learned about data acquisition processes at PGN, including how users and institutions can request and access geospatial data for planning, research, and application development.

The visit concluded with an interactive Q&A session with students, offering them firsthand exposure to national-level geospatial data governance and practical engagement with PGN experts.

This experience was made even more meaningful thanks to the excellent coordination by students from the Geoinfo Club, UTM, who organised the logistics and engagement throughout the visit.

GeoConnect25 #PusatGeospatialNegara #PGN #Geospatial #MyGDI #SpatialData #UTM #Geoinformatics #StudentEngagement

Showcasing My Research on Geospatial Data Management at ACRS 2025

I had the privilege to attend the Asian Conference on Remote Sensing (ACRS) 2025 in Makassar, Indonesia (27–31 October 2025), where I presented my paper “A Conceptual Geospatial Data Management Model for National Parks.”

The paper is part of the research grant project, “Database Development on Socio-Economic Management for Wildlife Tourism and Conservation,” focusing on improving how spatial and socio-economic data are managed to support sustainable park management and conservation.

ACRS continues to be an excellent platform for the geospatial and remote sensing community, bringing together researchers, professionals, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and drive innovation across Asia. Truly an inspiring experience to connect with experts shaping the future of geospatial science.

ACRS2025 #RemoteSensing #Geospatial #GIS #NationalParks #Research #Innovation #UTM