Dr Ahmed Mahmoud

My current research interest is to develop change detection systems that use Google Earth Engine and machine learning algorithms to monitor and predict the impact of climate change and geohazards on different landscapes with a special interest in monitoring threats to archaeological sites in the MENA region

I am a Remote Sensing and GIS Scientist, with a PhD from the University of Nottingham in Surveying Engineering and Space Geodesy. My expertise focuses on the use of various remote sensing techniques (i.e. Optical imagery, Radar imagery and Airborne LiDAR), GIS and Photogrammetry in monitoring earth and surface changes. Coming from a Surveying Engineering background, I have solid theoretical and practical experience in using various land surveying techniques and instruments (i.e. Total Stations, Levels, GNSS and Terrestrial laser scanners) for the application of Earth observation and environmental studies.

My PhD research initially aimed at using remote sensing for monitoring the impact of geohazards such as flash floods, landslides, and sand movement on the archaeological sites of Sudan. Later on, the research focused on detecting and monitoring the movement of sand dunes from satellite images. I developed methodologies and geoprocessing frameworks that utilize remote sensing and GIS data to detect and monitor land cover changes. My research primarily investigated a study area in Northern Sudan where a large number of heritage sites resides.

I am part of the Urban Heritage Climate Observatory (UHCO), GEO community activity launched by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the Greek Geo Office to understand the impacts of climate change on urban heritage and uses Earth observation and complementary data to support and enhance actions for heritage protection.

I joined the EAMENA project as a Research Associate with primary responsibilities to support the development of the EAMENA Automated Change Detection (ACD) system as well as the development of a user interface using Google Earth Engine. The ACD system analyses multiple satellite images to identify changes and threats to archaeological sites as a result of issues such as climate change, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and conflict.

Keywords

Geohazard Monitoring, Climate Change, Endangered Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Automated Change Detection, Remote Sensing, GIS, Land Surveying.

Contact

Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East & North Africa, School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH