Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Field of Research
Certificates & Licenses
Publications
Teaching Experience (TA Roles)
Courses Taken
Reviewer Experience
Awards & Scholarships
Team Projects
Professional Experience & Training
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Mahmoud Ahmed

Calgary,AB

Summary

Image processing specialist at the remote sensing center with 15+ years of experience in photogrammetry, deep learning, remote sensing, and heterogeneous systems. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Calgary, focusing on integrating deep learning models with satellite image processing for object detection and tracking. My research contributions are widely recognized, and I have published high-impact research papers in leading IEEE, ISPRS, and MDPI journals and conferences, including Remote Sensing, IEEE Smart Mobility, and ISPRS Annals. My work on ship detection in SAR imagery was recently highlighted as a featured promotion banner in Remote Sensing MDPI 2024, underscoring its significant impactinthefield.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Researcher

Autonomous Systems and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory
09.2022 - Current
  • Conduct research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet-of-Things (IoT), sensing, robotics, distributed sensor fusion, and real-world applications
  • Contribute to anomaly detection using machine learning techniques applied to video, remote sensing imagery, and other sensor data
  • Research and develop distributed sensor fusion algorithms, utilizing expectation maximization for multi-sensor registration

Ph.D. Candidate

University of Calgary
09.2022 - Current

Image Processing Specialist

MMS Multi-Sensor Group
01.2012 - Current
  • Lead integration of multi-sensor data fusion for enhanced object detection in remote sensing applications
  • Work closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative algorithms for object tracking and feature extraction, while also integrating drone-based object detection using the DJI Mini 3 Pro to enhance rapid search-and-rescue missions
  • Conduct extensive analysis using synthetic aperture radar (SAR), optical, and other sensor data to improve detection accuracy and tracking performance across various environmental conditions

Image Processing Specialist

Military Technical College
12.2012 - 08.2022

Electrical Engineer

Military Technical College
09.2009 - 12.2012

Education

Ph.D. - Electrical And Software Engineering

University of Calgary
Calgary, None
09-2025

Master of Science - Electrical Engineering

Military Technical College
Cairo, Egypt
11-2017

Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering

Military Technical College
Cairo, Egypt
07-2009

Skills

  • MATLAB, Python
  • ERDAS Imagine
  • ArcGIS
  • Global Mapper
  • Snap
  • MApp Enterprise
  • Apollo,
  • Deep Learning Frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
  • Computer Vision
  • Standard operating procedures
  • Operational excellence
  • Document review
  • Workflow optimization

Accomplishments

    Research contributions are widely recognized, with multiple high-impact publications in IEEE, ISPRS, and MDPI journals and conferences. The work on ship detection in SAR imagery was prominently featured in Remote Sensing MDPI 2024, underscoring its significant impact inthefield.

    To further advance research in disaster response, a Pilot Certification for Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) was obtained from Transport Canada, enabling the integration of drone-based object detection for rapid search-and-rescue missions.

    Beyond research, strong mentorship is provided to junior graduate students, while managing lab operations and ensuring smooth execution of research activities. This fosters a collaborative environment and promotes academic excellence and teamwork.

Field of Research

Photogrammetry, Image Processing, Deep Learning, Heterogeneous Systems, Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition, Multi-Object Tracking, Remote Sensing Data Fusion, SAR, IoT, Smart City.

Certificates & Licenses

1- Primary Image Processing Specialist
2- Secondary Image Processing Specialist
3- Machine Learning Specialization (Deep Learning.ai)
4- Neural Networks and Deep Learning
5- Improving Deep Neural Networks
6- Structuring Machine Learning Projects
7- Convolutional Neural Networks
8- Pilot Certificate (PC2434563254) – Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), Canada (Dec 2024)

Publications

Journal Papers 

1. Ahmed, Mahmoud, El-Sheimy, Naser,  Leung, Henry. (2025). Dual-Modal Approach for Ship Detection: Fusing Synthetic Aperture Radar and Optical Satellite Imagery. Sensors, 25(2), 329. DOI:10.3390/s25020329
2. Ahmed, Mahmoud, El-Sheimy, Naser,  Leung, Henry. (2024). A Novel Detection Transformer Framework for Ship Detection in Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery Using Advanced Feature Fusion and Polarimetric Techniques. Remote Sensing, 16(20), 3877. DOI:10.3390/rs16203877
3. Ahmed, Mahmoud, El-Sheimy, Naser, Leung, Henry, & Moussa, Adel. (2023). Enhancing Object Detection in Remote Sensing: A Hybrid YOLOv7 and Transformer Approach with Automatic Model Selection. Remote Sensing, 16(1), 51. DOI:10.3390/rs16010051
4. Shwaky, Mahmoud, Elsharkawy, Ahmed, Hamza, Essam, & Elhifnawy, Hassan. (2018). A Multi-Layer Classification Technique for High-Resolution Satellite Images Using Radiometric Calibration Modelling. Journal of Engineering Science and Military Technologies, 2(1), 36–43. DOI:10.21608/ejmtc.2017.574.1030
5. Mahmoud Ahmed. (2016). Investigation of Optimum Spectral Bands for Urban Area Classification from World View2 (WV2) Satellite Image. International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer and Communication Engineering.

Conference Papers

1. Ahmed, Mahmoud, El-Sheimy, Naser. Multi-Object Tracking in UAV Videos: A YOLOv11 Fusion Method. CSRS 2025.
2. Ahmed, Mahmoud, El-Sheimy, Naser. Improving UAV Thermal Object Detection: A Comparative Assessment. IEEE CCECE 2025.
3. Ahmed, Mahmoud, El-Sheimy, Naser, & Leung, Henry. (2024). Optimizing Satellite Imagery Object Detection in Challenging Weather Conditions Using IoT-Driven Fusion Strategies. IEEE 10th World Forum on Internet of Things (WF-IoT), 450–456. DOI:10.1109/wf-iot62078.2024.10811453
4. Ahmed, Mahmoud, El-Sheimy, Naser,  Leung, Henry. (2024). Enhancing Object Tracking in Smart City Intelligent Transportation Systems: A Track-by-Detection Approach Utilizing Satellite Video Monitoring. IEEE International Conference on Smart Mobility (SM), 17–24. DOI:10.1109/sm63044.2024.10733409
5. Ahmed, Mahmoud, El-Sheimy, Naser, Leung, Henry, Kamel, Ahmed M.,  Moussa, Adel. (2023). Performance Assessment of Object Detection from Multi Satellites and Aerial Images. ISPRS Annals of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, X-1/W1-2023, 763-770. DOI:10.5194/isprs-annals-x-1-w1-2023-763-2023

Teaching Experience (TA Roles)

1- ENSF 461 (Applied Operating System) Fall 2023.
2- ENEL 587 (Power Systems Analysis) Fall 2023.
3- ENEL 585 (Introduction to Power Electronics) Winter 2024
4- ENGG 233 (Computing for Engineers) Spring 2024
5- ENGG 225 (Fundamental of Electrical Circuits and Machines) Fall 2024
6- ENEL 353 (Digital Circuits) Fall 2024
7- ENCM 369 (Computer Organization) Winter 2025.
8- ENGG 200 (Introduction to Engineering Design) Winter 2025.
9- ENEL 503 (Computer Vision) Winter 2025.

Courses Taken

1. Data Mining and Machine Learning (ENEL 645)
2. Geospatial Vision (ENGO 610)
3. Professional Development (ENGG – 601, ENGG – 603)
4. Inertial Survey & INS/GPS Integration (ENGO – 623)
5. Remote Sensing (ENGO – 435)
6. E-learning Courses:
 - Occupational Health & Safety Orientation
 - Hazard Assessment Training
 - Harassment and Violence Awareness Training
 - WHMIS2015
 - Privacy Awareness
 - Introduction to Cybersecurity
7. Mathematics
8. Advanced Digital Image Processing
9. Map Projections
10. Analytical Photogrammetry
11. Pattern Recognition
12. Optical Remote Sensing

Reviewer Experience

1- Springer Nature: Supercomputing Journal, Signal and Image Processing, Pattern Analysis and Applications, Scientific Reports, Multimedia Systems, Artificial Intelligence Review, Plant Methods
2- IEEE: IEEE WF-IoT 2024 Conference
3- Taylor & Francis: Marine Geodesy Journal

Awards & Scholarships

1- SSE Graduate Student Research Impact Excellence Award (2023)
2- ESE Graduate Research Award (2023)
3- Professional Development Award (Fall 2024)
4- MTC Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Study (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)

Team Projects

1- Leading graduation project of 5 persons.
2- Supervision of up to 30 teams in ENGG 200 (Introduction to Engineering Design) Winter 2025.
3- Laboratory practice through my work as a Teaching Assistant.
4- Presentation skills through multi-presentations during my undergraduate and master studies.

Professional Experience & Training

- Certified Primary/Secondary Image Processing Specialist
- Over 35 international courses in image processing (ESRI, Hexagon, Remote sensing)
- Expertise in remote sensing, GIS applications, deep learning for object detection, and fusion methods
- Extensive experience in UAV-based multi-object tracking and satellite image fusion techniques

Languages

English
Full Professional

Timeline

Researcher

Autonomous Systems and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory
09.2022 - Current

Ph.D. Candidate

University of Calgary
09.2022 - Current

Image Processing Specialist

Military Technical College
12.2012 - 08.2022

Image Processing Specialist

MMS Multi-Sensor Group
01.2012 - Current

Electrical Engineer

Military Technical College
09.2009 - 12.2012

Ph.D. - Electrical And Software Engineering

University of Calgary

Master of Science - Electrical Engineering

Military Technical College

Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering

Military Technical College
Mahmoud Ahmed