Theoneste NKURANA
Edmonton,AB
Summary
Dynamic GIS expert and certified surveyor with over 8 years of expertise in GIS projects, remote sensing, land surveying, and advanced image analysis. Committed to delivering high-quality geospatial products and services that enable informed decision-making and improve operational efficiency. Actively seeking opportunities to leverage skills and dedication within private/public institutions and NGOs, furthering missions focused on earth observation for sustainable development.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
GIS Data Manager
GIZ
11.2021 - 01.2022
- Overseeing the collection, storage, and organization of geospatial data, ensuring data accuracy and consistency across projects
- Implementing quality assurance processes to validate data accuracy, reliability, and completeness
- GIS Analysis and Mapping: Conducting spatial analyses and creating detailed maps to support project goals and decision-making
- Managing and updating GIS databases, ensuring data integrity and efficient retrieval for analysis
- Technical Support and Training: Providing technical guidance and training to team members and stakeholders on GIS tools and methodologies
- Collaborating with project teams to align GIS data requirements with project objectives, timelines, and deliverables
- Overseeing the use and maintenance of GIS software and equipment, staying updated on new tools and techniques
- Preparing reports, maps, and other visualizations to communicate geospatial insights effectively to stakeholders
GIS Data Manager
Rwanda Housing Authority
11.2021 - 01.2022
- Collects, organizes, and manages geospatial data on land parcels, infrastructure, utilities, and more
- Creates maps and visualizations for spatial relationships, land use patterns, and infrastructure networks
- Conducts spatial analysis for residential development, assessing factors like accessibility and environmental impact
- Maps natural hazard prone areas to integrate resilience into housing development plans
- Provides GIS training to staff and integrates GIS data with other systems for efficient data sharing
GIS Expert
Rwanda National Land Authority
11.2019 - 10.2021
- Oversaw the collection and management of geospatial data on land tenure and land use
- Conducted spatial analysis to inform land use planning and policy development
- Supported the development and maintenance of the Land Administration System (LAS) for land tenure documentation
- Collaborated with other government agencies to standardize GIS practices across departments
GIS and Surveyor Specialist
CHARIS Unmanned Aerial Solution
06.2019 - 10.2019
- Planned and executed UAV flights for data collection, optimizing coverage and data quality
- Processed aerial imagery, LiDAR data, and other geospatial datasets using GIS software
- Collaborated with engineers to integrate GIS functionalities into UAS applications and platforms
GIS and Mapping Specialist
Land Surveying and Engineering Consultant Company Ltd
06.2018 - 05.2019
- Collected and managed spatial data on land parcels, boundaries, and other land related information
- Conducted spatial analysis for land use and environmental assessment
- Produced detailed cadastral, zoning, and thematic maps for land surveying and planning
Field Surveyor Officer
GEOTED North Ltd
07.2014 - 04.2019
- Conducted field surveys with total stations, GPS, drones, and other surveying instruments
- Processed and analyzed survey data using AutoCAD and GIS software
- Communicated effectively with project stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely data delivery
Education
Master of Arts - Earth Atmospheric Sciences, specialization of Urban and Regional Planning
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta04-2026
Master’s degree - Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, specialization of Geoinformatics
University of Twente
08.2024
Bachelors - Land Survey engineering
Ruhengeri Institute of Applied Science (INES)
Musanze/Rwanda08.2024
Skills
- ArcMap
- QGIS
- ENVI
- ERDAS Imagine
- ESA SNAP
- Python
- GDAL/OGR
- NumPy
- GeoPandas
- Matplotlib
- Scikit-learn
- TensorFlow
- PyTorch
- Keras
- MATLAB
- RStudio
- PIX4D
- Agisoft
- DJI Terra
- DroneDeploy
- Global Mapper
- OpenDroneMap
- HEC-RAS
- LISEM
- AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Covadis
- ArcGIS Online
- Google Earth Engine
- OpenStreetMap
- Collector for ArcGIS
- QField for QGIS
- ArcGIS Field Map
Accomplishments
- Netafim Projects (Rwanda, Gabon): Managed spatial data collection, LiDAR analysis, orthophotos, and topographic maps.
- HQ Power Project: Contributed as a GIS expert for site surveying, data management, and fixing ground control points.
- CTA Project: Conducted surveying and mapping for mining sites in Rwanda, providing insights for stakeholders.
- Kigali Golf Project: Developed site plans, land surveys, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- District Land Use Plan: Conducted spatial analysis for land use recommendations, incorporating community feedback.
- IDP Model Village: Designed layout plans to enhance community infrastructure and optimize land use.
Technicalskills
ArcMap, QGIS, ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, ESA SNAP, Python (GDAL/OGR, NumPy, GeoPandas, Matplotlib, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras), MATLAB, RStudio, PIX4D, Agisoft, DJI Terra, DroneDeploy, Global Mapper, OpenDroneMap, HEC-RAS, LISEM, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Covadis, ArcGIS Online, Google Earth Engine, OpenStreetMap, Collector for ArcGIS, QField for QGIS, ArcGIS Field Map
Projects
Netafim Projects, Rwanda, Gabon, Managed spatial data collection, LiDAR analysis, orthophotos, and topographic maps. HQ Power Project, Contributed as a GIS expert for site surveying, data management, and fixing ground control points. CTA Project, Conducted surveying and mapping for mining sites in Rwanda, providing insights for stakeholders. Kigali Golf Project, Developed site plans, land surveys, ensuring regulatory compliance. District Land Use Plan, Conducted spatial analysis for land use recommendations, incorporating community feedback. IDP Model Village, Designed layout plans to enhance community infrastructure and optimize land use.
Personal Information
- Place of Birth: Kirehe, Rwanda
- Date of Birth: 01/10/89
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Professional Working
Certification
- GIS certificate from ESRI
- UAV image processing Certificate
- Certified surveyor Certificate
Software
ArcMap, QGIS, ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, ESA SNAP
AutoCAD Civil 3D, Covadis
Drone Image Processing: PIX4D, Agisoft, DJI Terra, DroneDeploy, Global Mapper, OpenDroneMap
Web GIS Platforms: ArcGIS Online, Google Earth Engine, OpenStreetMap
Mobile GIS: Collector for ArcGIS, QField for QGIS, ArcGIS Field Map
Programming Language: Python (GDAL/OGR, NumPy, GeoPandas, Matplotlib, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras), MATLAB, RStudio
Timeline
GIS Data Manager
GIZ
11.2021 - 01.2022
GIS Data Manager
Rwanda Housing Authority
11.2021 - 01.2022
GIS Expert
Rwanda National Land Authority
11.2019 - 10.2021
GIS and Surveyor Specialist
CHARIS Unmanned Aerial Solution
06.2019 - 10.2019
GIS and Mapping Specialist
Land Surveying and Engineering Consultant Company Ltd
06.2018 - 05.2019
Field Surveyor Officer
GEOTED North Ltd
07.2014 - 04.2019
Master’s degree - Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, specialization of Geoinformatics
University of Twente
Master of Arts - Earth Atmospheric Sciences, specialization of Urban and Regional Planning
University of Alberta
Bachelors - Land Survey engineering
Ruhengeri Institute of Applied Science (INES)