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We/Us. 

Simon: CEO and CBW (Chief bottle wash)

Welcome to TerraAnalytica. I'm Simon, with years of experience in geospatial analysis and GIS technologies, my career journey spans from academia to TerraAnalytica in 2023, driven by a passion for geospatial science.

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My Story

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My experience includes roles at NIWA and Auckland Council, culminating in the creation of TerraAnalytica to deliver innovative geospatial services. Notable projects include collaborating with a UK satellite startup on urban heat mapping.

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Core Values

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  • Integrity: Honest and transparent business practices.

  • Innovation: Cutting-edge technology and methodologies.

  • Sustainability: Commitment to environmental stewardship.

  • Customer Commitment: Tailored services exceeding client expectations.

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Engage with TerraAnalytica

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Explore TerraAnalytica to discover how my expertise can support your goals. We partner with you for informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

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Connect with Me

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I’m eager to connect with like-minded professionals in geospatial science and sustainability. Reach out to learn more about TerraAnalytica.

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Education

2001-2004

Master of Science: Geography.

Uni of Canterbury

Focused on remote sensing techniques, my master's program equipped me with strong analytical and technical skills. Key highlights include:

  • Research Focus: Conducted in-depth research on the influence of land cover on thermal infrared (TIR) pixel values in heterogeneous environments. Explored how emissivity variance affects temperature readings in mixed pixels using ASTER and simulated MODIS imagery.

  • Georeferencing and Fieldwork: Led efforts in georeferencing imagery, including submeter GPS recordings of scene features. Investigated the potential for automatic georeferencing from linear intersecting features, such as road intersections.

  • Urban Landcover Analysis: Modeled and compared different landcover types in urban environments to understand variance in pixel values. Examined the relationship between NDVI and thermal variance.

  • Leadership and Collaboration: Directed fieldwork activities, assisted by a fellow student, demonstrating leadership and project management skills.

  • Impact and Application: This study contributed to a better understanding of urban thermal imagery analysis and the influence of landcover on TIR values, crucial for urban heat island studies.

  • Academic Coursework: Completed master-level papers in Environmental Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems, Glaciology, and Atmospheric Studies.

  • Continued Education: Post-masters, attended classes in Resource Management Act, Kaitiakitanga and Indigenous Studies, and an additional paper in GIS.

2004 - Present

Google, Lutra, Udemy, NASA ARSET and Coursera

Since my studies at Canterbury, I have undertaken numerous additional courses to further my knowledge and skills. These include:

  • ESRI-related Courses: To stay updated with the latest advancements in GIS technology.

  • QGIS Courses through Lutra Consulting: Enhancing my proficiency in QGIS.

  • Google Courses on Coursera: Covering Project Management, Data Analytics, and Business Intelligence.

  • Udemy course on various technical topics including a master class on Python Programing.
  • NASA ARSET Training: Participated in training and seminars through Coursera, focusing on remote sensing and earth observation.

  • Philosophy of Science from Penn University: To broaden my understanding of scientific principles and methodologies.

I have maintained a learning and growth mindset since leaving school, consistently pursuing opportunities for professional development.

1997 - 2001

Bachalor of Science: Uni of Canterbury

I chose the University of Canterbury for its renowned Antarctic Studies program, aligning with my passion for remote sensing and environmental science. Key highlights of my Bachelor's studies include:

  • Major in Geography: Focused on physical geography, spatial analysis, and environmental systems. Key papers included Field Studies, GIS, Remote Sensing, Snow and Ice Processes, and Atmospheric Studies.

  • Minor in Geology: Developed a strong interest in volcanology and geological mapping. Gained in-depth knowledge of Earth's materials and processes through structural mapping field studies around the South Island.

  • Top-Heavy Curriculum: Primarily completed second and third-year papers, providing advanced knowledge and skills.

  • Field Studies: Geography fieldwork involved GPS technology, radiosonde, total stations, and both qualitative and quantitative research. Geology fieldwork focused on structural mapping.

  • Technical Skills: Proficient in GIS software (ArcInfo, ArcView, ERDAS image, ENVI, ArcGIS, Grass) and remote sensing techniques.

  • Antarctic Studies: Participated in courses related to Antarctic research and its physical environment.

  • Additional Coursework: Completed a non-advancing physics paper, broadening my scientific knowledge.

Ayush: Research Assistant - Volunteer

I'm Ayush Varma, a Masters student in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Auckland, with a strong interest in remote sensing and observational astronomy. My recent work involved developing deep learning pipelines for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, focusing on marine vessel detection and surface feature classification.

 

This experience strengthened my skills in data analysis, image interpretation, and algorithm development. I enjoy working at the intersection of Science and Earth observation, where technical tools (such as Machine Learning) help uncover real-world insights.

I am exicted to support and get involved with work that expands our knowledge, analysis and viewpoints of our world; as well as the universe. Apart from research, I love sport and music !!

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Connect with Me

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I’m eager to connect with like-minded professionals in geospatial science and sustainability. Reach out to learn more about TerraAnalytica.

Curriculum Vitae

2023 - Present

Work Experience

Research Intern – Earth Observation (EO) Lab Aotearoa |Summer 2024–2025|

Supervisor: Dr.Thomas Dowling – School of Environment, University of Auckland

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• Developed deep learning pipelines for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) based marine vessel detection\

and surface feature classification in marine

environments.

• Build a ML backbone for SAR data processing, algorithm development, and real-time target tracking.

• Applied mathematical modelling, debugging, and validation techniques to ensure robust and accurate

satellite imagery analysis.

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Atmospheric Turbulence Research – Adaptive Optics & RINGSS Project |Aug 2024 - December 2024|

Supervisor: Dr. Nicholas Rattenbury – Department of Physics, University of Auckland

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• Conducting research on the RINGSS (Ring Image Next Generation Scintillation Sensor) to study

atmospheric turbulence effects on astronomical imaging

• Focused on Alpha Trianguli Australis (Atria), capturing defocused ring images to observe brightness variations caused by turbulence. Employed precise polar alignment with the South Celestial Pole to minimize unwanted drift during extended ring imaging.

• Confirmed that bright spots in the annular image correspond to scintillation, validating their role as

indicators of turbulence. Contribute to improvements in adaptive optics and ground-based viewing

methods.

 

Auckland Programme for Space Systems (APSS) – Ongoing

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- APSS-3 Team Member |7th March 2024- Current|

• On-board Instrument ideation

• Engage in CubeSAT Design

• Industrial use-case brainstorming for CubeSATs

• Precise selection of imaging sensors. Limitations and susceptibilities behind data processing, power

consumption and system dynamics.

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- CubeSat Mission Proposal Contest |3rd March 2024- Current|

• Team Coordinator for proposing a sustainable design implementation for a CubeSAT.

• Application prospect to minimize risks associated with spacewalks and address satellite servicing,

benefitting the cost and safety of space missions.

MPC Design Proposal

• Velocity Ideas Challenge Winner 2024 presenting our Mission Proposal design as a market

opportunity and an innovative solution to satellite repairs, as a posed alternative to spacewalks.

Flexi-SAT for Velocity

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Spacebase challenge for MethaneSAT |September 2023- Jan 2024|

• Participating in the Research Incubator to identify target emission sources from Methane Sources

• Methanogen, methane flux, hypoxic waters, phytoplankton, hydroelectric dam research.

• Introductory GIS, remote sensing and Earth observation study.

• Developed a robust mathematical model to track methane emissions.

New Zealand Engineering Science Competition |October 2021|

• Team-led approach towards finding optimal solutions on natural disaster prediction and

preparedness.

• Research validation, sustainable method implementation and consequences of ignorance.

• Develop a Python program to project organized solutions

2022-Present

Additional Experience

EXPERIENCE

 

Writer- UOA Scientific Review Magazine (Freelance)

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• Communicating, sharing and breaking down my understanding of Physics theories and key topics via

the scientific magazine of UOA. Inspiration from content taught in 2nd stage Astronomy,

Electromagnetism, Relativity, QM, Nuclear Physics.

• Worked on ‘The extent of quantum mechanics in space research’ and its applications.

• Worked on ‘Zeeman Effect and Spectral Shifting of a Hydrogen Atom’

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Spacehub UOA Executive- Marketing Lead- |June 2023- March 2024|

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• A mission to grow the astronomy community in Auckland via space-themed events and initiatives.

• Conduct and manage a range of social and Industry events, with the prestige of contacting and

networking with individuals and companies devoted to the space sector.

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Secondary School Tutor- Cluey Learning (Casual)- |October 2022- Present|

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• Tutor Year 5-Year 13 Statistics, Calculus and English

• Equip the virtual learning platform and utilise the provided curriculum.

• Adjust and cater according to student needs, gauge the pace of learning.

1997 - 2001

Qualifications

The University of Auckland 2022-2026

Bachelor of Science(Hons)- Physics

 

Techtorium 2021|July-Aug|

Cyber Security Certification

 

Papatoetoe High School- Auckland High School Education (NCEA) - 2018 - 2021

 

CORE COMPETENCIES

 

Technical Skills

• Google Colab (Python), HTML, MS Office Suite and G-Suite

• Data Analysis

• Literature Review

• PCB Design, Circuit simulations and Electronics

• Astrophotography

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Transferable Skills

• Effective Communication

• Problem-Solving

• Collaboration

• Strategy-building

 

Extra-curricular:

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Societies- Physics Association of University of Auckland (PAUA), Science Students Association (SciSA), TEDX

UoA, Auckland Indian Students Association (AUIS).

Sport- Papatoetoe 1st XI Cricket Reserves, Manukau District Badminton.

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