Priyanka Belbase

GIS Analyst & PhD Researcher

PhD researcher in Earth System Science specializing in remote sensing, GIS analysis, and precision agriculture. 7+ years of experience transforming complex geospatial data into actionable insights.

Location

Miami, Florida

Email

belbase.priyanka@gmail.com

Phone

+1 (682) 532-5155

About

I'm a PhD researcher in Earth System Science at Florida International University, specializing in dragon fruit mapping, agronomy, soil-plant nutrient dynamics, and spectral reflectance diagnostics. My research combines advanced remote sensing techniques with field-based chemical analysis to understand plant physiology and detect disease patterns.

With 7+ years of professional GIS experience, I've worked across multiple sectors including environmental planning, emergency management, utilities, and precision agriculture. My expertise spans from managing complex geodatabases to automating spatial analysis workflows using cutting-edge tools and technologies.

I'm passionate about turning raw geospatial data into meaningful insights that drive decision-making. Whether it's analyzing multi-temporal satellite imagery, conducting environmental impact assessments, or teaching GIS workflows, I approach each project with technical rigor and attention to detail.

When I'm not working with spatial data, I enjoy exploring new geospatial methodologies, mentoring students in GIS, and contributing to open-source geospatial projects.

EDUCATION

  • Ph.D. in Earth System Science

    Florida International University • 2022-2026

  • M.S. in Geoscience

    Florida International University • 2022-2024

  • M.S. in Environmental Science

    Tribhuvan University • 2018-2022

CURRENT ROLE

Graduate Assistant

Environment & Earth Remote Sensing Lab

Florida International University

Aug 2022 – Present

EXPERIENCE

7+ Years

Geospatial data management, remote sensing, and spatial analysis across government, private sector, and academic institutions

Skills & Expertise

GIS & Remote Sensing

ArcGIS ProArcGIS OnlineQGISENVISNAPGoogle Earth EngineArcGIS City Engine

Remote Sensing Data

LandsatSentinelPlanetNAIPLiDARDEM/DSMHyperspectral Imagery

Spatial Analysis

Raster ModelingHydrology AnalysisNetwork AnalysisSuitability ModelingChange Detection

Field Research & Instruments

Hyperspectral ReflectanceChlorophyll SensingDisease DetectionHandheld SpectroradiometerXRFICP-MSDrone Licensed

Programming & Analysis

RPythonSPSSSQLPostGISArcGIS ModelBuilder

Visualization & Dashboards

ArcGIS OnlineArcGIS DashboardsPower BITableauCartography

Specialized Skills

Geodatabase DesignEnvironmental Impact AssessmentTechnical Report WritingGIS Training & Coordination

Technical Proficiencies

ArcGIS Suite (Pro, Online, Enterprise)Expert
Remote Sensing & Image ClassificationAdvanced
Python & R ProgrammingAdvanced
Spatial Database ManagementAdvanced

Experience

Graduate Assistant

Environment & Earth Remote Sensing Lab

Florida International University, FL

Aug 2022 – Present
  • Conducted multi-year comparative research on dragon fruit production using hyperspectral imaging and advanced chemical analysis (XRF/ICP-MS)
  • Performed remote sensing analysis using Planet, Sentinel-2, and multispectral datasets for crop mapping and growth assessment
  • Developed automated workflows for image classification, vegetation index extraction, and temporal trend analysis
  • Facilitated undergraduate laboratory coursework in earth and environmental sciences while mentoring students in GIS workflows

Environmentalist & GIS Specialist

Bhugol Engineering Consultant Pvt. Ltd.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Aug 2018 – May 2022
  • Led spatial data collection, land-use classification, zoning analysis, and suitability modeling for regional planning
  • Designed geodatabases to support land-use policy, infrastructure development, and agricultural modernization
  • Performed environmental impact assessments (EIA/IEE) using geospatial tools and hazard mapping methodologies
  • Delivered GIS training workshops for government and university stakeholders

GIS Assistant

Geo Spatial Engineering Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Nepal

July 2017 – June 2018
  • Processed satellite imagery, DEMs, and vector layers for infrastructure planning projects
  • Digitized parcels and zoning districts; validated topology and created searchable zoning maps
  • Developed automated geoprocessing models in ArcGIS ModelBuilder to streamline data workflows
  • Collaborated with engineers and planners to integrate spatial datasets into infrastructure feasibility studies

GIS Digitizer

ShreeRS consultant

Nepal

Feb 2016 – April 2017
  • Digitized land parcels, zoning boundaries, and infrastructure layers with precision
  • Performed georeferencing, topology correction, and attribute management
  • Prepared field maps and assisted with GPS-based data collection
  • Created standardized map layouts and cartographic products for land-use and engineering projects

Major Projects

Dragon Fruit Mapping & Growth Assessment

Remote Sensing & Crop Monitoring

Ongoing

Multi-year comparative research on dragon fruit production using hyperspectral imaging, Planet and NAIP satellite data for crop mapping, growth assessment, and nutrient stress detection.

Hyperspectral ImagingRemote SensingCrop MonitoringPythonENVI
+

City Infrastructure Geodatabase & Utility Mapping

Geodatabase Design

2022 – 2023

Developed municipal geodatabases integrating water, sewer, stormwater, roads, and parcels with subtypes, domains, and topology rules for accurate infrastructure planning.

ArcGISGeodatabaseUtilitiesSQLArcGIS Enterprise
+

Land-Use Change Detection & Urban Growth Analysis

Remote Sensing & Spatial Analysis

2021 – 2022

Classified multi-temporal Landsat and Sentinel imagery to support urban planning decisions. Used supervised classification and spectral indices for LULC mapping and change detection.

LandsatSentinelQGISPythonChange Detection
+

Flood Risk Assessment & Emergency Response Mapping

Hydrology & Disaster Management

2020 – 2021

Conducted hydrologic and terrain modeling using DEMs to create flood-prone area maps, evacuation routes, and ArcGIS dashboards for disaster preparedness.

HEC-RASArcGISHydrologyDEMRisk Assessment
+

Precision Agriculture & Crop Health Monitoring

Remote Sensing & Agriculture

2019 – Present

Analyzed multispectral and hyperspectral UAV/satellite imagery to assess crop vigor, soil variability, and nutrient stress. Produced field-level prescription maps for precision farming.

MultispectralHyperspectralUAVAgricultureSpectral Analysis
+

National Land Use Planning Project

Urban & Regional Planning

2018 – 2022

Led spatial data collection and analysis for national land-use classification. Performed zoning analysis, suitability modeling, and produced policy-supporting maps.

Land UseZoningQGISArcGISPolicy Analysis
+

Research & Publications

Actively publishing research in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at international conferences.

Journal Publications

2

Peer-reviewed articles

Conference Presentations

2

Research presentations

Total Citations

7

Google Scholar

Research Focus

Dragon fruit cultivation, soil-plant dynamics, spectral analysis

Get In Touch

I'm always open to collaboration and new opportunities. Whether you need GIS analysis, remote sensing expertise, or want to discuss geospatial research, feel free to reach out.

Contact Information

Email

belbase.priyanka@gmail.com

Phone

+1 (682) 532-5155

Location

Miami, Florida

Connect With Me

Send Me A Message

© 2024 Priyanka Belbase. All rights reserved.

Built with passion for geospatial science