Natraj Vaddadi is an Executive Member of the Governing Council, Centre for Education & Research in Geosciences. Natraj holds a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Pune and a Doctorate in Natural Resources and Environment from the Naresuan University, Thailand. specializing in Urban Groundwater Recharge through Rainwater Harvesting.

He is also an adjunct faculty in Petroleum Technology at the Nowrosjee Wadia College, University of Pune and has been teaching post-graduate courses in Drilling engineering and Production Operations at the University of Pune for over three decades. He has conducted several workshops in Open-Source GIS and GIS data collection tools in India, Thailand and Vietnam. He is also the author of an internationally acclaimed book “An Introduction to Oil Well Drilling.

As one of the founding members of the Centre for Education & Research in Geosciences, Vaddadi evangelises importance of Geoscience and Geospatial education at the grass roots and actively promotes the integration of Earth science knowledge in environmental conservation and sustainability efforts.

Natraj Vaddadi is an Executive Member of the Governing Council, Centre for Education & Research in Geosciences.  Natraj holds a Master’s degree in Geology from the University of Pune and a Doctorate in Natural Resources and Environment from the Naresuan University, Thailand. specializing in Urban Groundwater Recharge through Rainwater Harvesting.

He is also an adjunct faculty in Petroleum Technology at the Nowrosjee Wadia College, University of Pune and has been teaching post-graduate courses in Drilling engineering and Production Operations at the University of Pune for over three decades. He has conducted  several workshops in Open-Source GIS and GIS data collection tools in India, Thailand and Vietnam. He is also the author of an internationally acclaimed book “An Introduction to Oil Well Drilling.

As one of the founding members of the Centre for Education & Research in Geosciences, Vaddadi evangelises importance of Geoscience and Geospatial education at the grass roots and actively promotes the integration of Earth science knowledge in environmental conservation and sustainability efforts.

Pathana RACHAVONG, MS.
Associated Professor of Geography
A Qualified-Knowledge & Special Abilities of Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environment
President of Geographical Association of Thailand

Educated

Bachelor of Science in Geography, Srinakarindr Wirot University, Thailand, 1986
Master of Science in Geography, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 1989

Academic and Research Performance

2024 The alternative developing new forms of income for local government organizations from the water resource base
2016 In-depth study of economic opportunities of biological resources: a case study of Thai crocodiles
2015 Thailand Impacts, risks, vulnerabilities, and approaches to adapting to climate change
2014 The inventory of biological resources: Thai fish
2013 Mapping of people with disabilities using the Bang Rakam District Geographic Information System, Phitsanulok
2012 Geographically weighted regression analysis to create a flood damage function in the lower Yom River Basin. Example case: Bang Rakam District, Phitsanulok
2011 Spatial distribution of rights to rehabilitation for people with disabilities: Analysis according to the boundaries of local government organizations in Phitsanulok
2010 Research for evaluating community happiness: Phichit and Phitsanulok
2009 Comparative study of the suitability of industrial estates and deep sea ports in Chana/Thepha (Songkhla Province) and Sichon/Tha Sala (Nakhon Si Thammarat Province) areas
2007 A study to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the strategy for well-being in Uttaradit Province
2001 Planning for tourism development in the central region of Thailand
1999 Planning for tourism development in the lower northern Thailand
1995 Creating a plan to preserve and improve the environment of the old city of Phitsanulok
1994 The groundwater for cultivation in Sri Nakhon District, Sukhothai

Susumu Nonogaki is a Geo-informaticist currently holding the position of Chief Senior Researcher at Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). He obtained his PhD in Geosciences from Osaka City University in 2009. His work primarily focuses on three-dimensional modeling and analysis of shallow subsurface geological structure in urban areas in Japan. His expertise extends to GIS analysis, spatial interpolation, machine learning, geo-visualization, web mapping, and from 2005 to 2012 he lectured at training courses organized by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on GIS techniques for sustainable management of natural resources and agricultural product. Since 2010, he has been an active member of the Scientific Committee for GIS-IDEAS. His work continues to shape our understanding of the shallow subsurface geological conditions in urban areas and provides invaluable insights into urban development and planning, contributing to safer and more sustainable cities.

Dr. Tran Van Anh is a lecturer at Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (HUMG). She obtained her Master’s degree in Surveying and Mapping Engineering from HUMG, Vietnam, in 2001 and her PhD degree in GeoInformatics from Osaka City University (Japan) in 2007. Her field of study is remote sensing and GIS. She has working interests in Radar Interferometry (InSAR) for land deformation detections and optical images for air pollution (PM10) determination. Besides that, she also works on geospatial data research and builds predicting models. She has had more than 50 works published in prestigious domestic and international journals.

Dr Pakorn Petchprayoon has been Chief of Economic Division, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) since 2016.

He previously held the position of Researcher/Geo-Informatics Scientist at the Agency from 2001-2006. There, he was responsible for developing a research organisation working with satellite and weather data to study all aspects of the Earth and climate systems, including applying space technology to environmental monitoring and natural resource management among other areas.

Dr Petchprayoon was also a Researcher in the Remote Sensing Division of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) from 1995-1996/1997-2000, where he applied remote sensing data to environmental monitoring and natural resource management.

Dr Petchprayoon has written and co-authored several publication, was a lecturer on GEOG 4093 Remote Sensing of the Environment at the University of Colorado, Boulder, USA. In 2001 he received the best speaker award for an outstanding presentation of his paper at the 22nd Asian Conference on Remote Sensing.

Dr Petchprayoon has a PhD in Remote Sensing from the University of Colorado, USA; MA in Remote Sensing, Mahidol University; MSc in Technology of Information System Management, Burapha University; BSC Geography. He also has a Certificate of Remote Sensing Technology from the Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC).

Rationale for the Proposed Session: This session will bring together experts in environmental science, GIS technology, urban planning, and policy-making to discuss the applications of GIS in fostering a sustainable environment. The session will showcase practical examples and case studies where GIS has been effectively utilized to achieve sustainability goals.
Key topics to be addressed include:
• Environmental Monitoring and Assessment: Use of GIS for real-time monitoring of environmental parameters such as air and water quality, deforestation, and land degradation. Discussion on how GIS helps in assessing the impact of human activities on the environment.
• Biodiversity and Habitat Conservation: Application of GIS in mapping and protecting biodiversity hotspots, wildlife corridors, and critical habitats. Case studies on successful conservation projects leveraging GIS.
• Urban Sustainability and Smart Cities: Insights into how GIS supports sustainable urban planning, smart city development, and green infrastructure. Examples of GIS-driven solutions for sustainable transportation, waste management, and energy efficiency.
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Role of GIS in modeling climate scenarios, assessing vulnerability, and planning mitigation and adaptation strategies. Exploration of GIS tools for disaster risk management and resilience building.
• Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use Planning: Techniques for using GIS to optimize land use, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices. Discussion on land suitability analysis and precision agriculture.
By addressing these aspects, the session aims to:
• Highlight the versatility and importance of GIS in environmental sustainability efforts.
• Encourage the adoption of GIS technologies across various sectors involved in environmental management.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in the application of GIS for sustainable development.
The outcomes of this session will provide valuable insights into the role of GIS in achieving environmental sustainability, promoting the adoption of geospatial technologies to protect and manage natural resources effectively, and contributing to the global efforts towards a sustainable future.