Ralph Elsäßer
Geoinformatics Specialist, Digitalization Expert
Experience
Geoinformatics Specialist, Digitalization Expert
Luvent / GIZ
- Presentation of the potential of artificial intelligence for agriculture at the Pan-African Startup Conference in Algiers.
- Planning and delivery of the AI master class at the conference.
- Mentoring 10 startups to introduce innovative technologies into their products and services, including processing weather forecast data to create geo-localized, product-specific work instructions for farmers in Algeria.
Geoinformatics Specialist
Gauff Engineers / World Bank
Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria
- Development of the basin-level information system (.Net, C#).
- Integration of Google web services.
- Development of the web GIS-based national digital dam inventory (ASP .Net C#, TatukGIS, Google Earth Engine).
- QGIS training for staff of the catchment area authorities and the Ministry of Water.
Geoinformatics Specialist, Digitalization Expert
GFA / GIZ
- Specifying requirements, leading the agile development and implementation of a GIS-based forest management system for the Amhara Forest Enterprise (AFE), including user-specific access rights, dashboards, and task planning.
- Designing the data model, building the database, structuring and migrating geospatial data.
- Creating digital forest maps as part of the weekly reports.
- Developing a digital matchmaking platform for investments in the tourism and national park sector.
- Specifying and developing an aggregated monitoring platform for GHG emissions, climate change and NDC monitoring for Ethiopia.
- QGIS and QField training for AFE staff.
Geoinformatics Specialist and Water Expert
Hydrophil / World Bank
- Conducting a national geo-coded inventory of water and wastewater facilities using mobile devices.
- Creating the national water and wastewater atlas, including print layouts for jamoats, regions, and the national level.
- Designing and technically specifying the national web and GIS-based management information system for urban water management, defined as a web-based multi-stakeholder system with configurable access rights.
- QGIS training for Ministry of Water staff.
ICT4Ag Expert
EuropeAid / African Union
- Developing the continental digitalization strategy for African agriculture, the implementation plan, and the monitoring and evaluation system for the 55 member states from 2024 to 2030.
Solutions Architect
TetraTech
- MCC Due Diligence Consultant for remote sensing, geo-informatics, data acquisition, integration, and analysis.
- Development of the ESRI-based Project Data Management Framework, including mobile data collection and AGOL-based project dashboards for the MCC projects "Transport&Trade" and "Water Demand and Productivity".
- Development of a WebGIS-based interface for geo-based access to project data, environmental data, and socially relevant datasets, including an analysis platform.
ICT4Ag Expert
GIZ
- Study on the use of ICT in livestock farming with a focus on climate resilience on the African continent.
- Opportunities and risks of using modern ICT-based technologies in livestock value chains.
Geo-Informatics Specialist and Water Expert
Hydrophil / ADA
- Scoping mission for the Austrian Development Agency to introduce satellite and geo-based tools for flood forecasting.
- Flood protection in the Pungwe-Save-Buzi catchment areas.
Geo-Informatics Specialist
Plantivo
- Development of ISO 11783-based tractor control systems for precision farming. Using satellite-supported NDVI data, commands in ISO format are automatically generated, and agricultural equipment control is remotely managed and optimized via ISOBUS. GIS integration.
Solutions Architect
GFA / GIZ
- Analysis of the existing IT system at NASFAM (National Smallholder Farmers Association).
- Specification of a new IT system to strengthen agricultural advisory services, including product tracking.
ICT4Ag Expert
GIZ
- Study on the use of ICT in small-scale irrigation with a focus on Africa.
- Potentials and risks of using modern ICT-supported technologies in irrigation agriculture.
ICT4Ag Expert
Eco-Consult / GIZ
- Identification of innovative ICT solutions for smallholder irrigation farming in Niger.
- Knowledge transfer, knowledge management, e-learning.
Geoinformatics Specialist / Software Architect
Thüga
- Migration of all corporate geodata (including OSM data) from Gauss-Kruger coordinates (DHDN) to UTM coordinates (ETRS89). Concept, project management, and execution.
- Development of web-based GIS applications for accessing geo-based asset data with ArcGIS Enterprise and Oracle Spatial.
- Performance optimization of the Oracle database.
- Analysis of the existing system landscape for C# development to link ESRI ArcGIS to the X4 Suite and extension of the existing geo-database to automate GIS data through the X4 Suite.
- Consulting on geoinformatics topics (ESRI/GEONIS/Oracle).
Software Architect, Geoinformatics Specialist, Team Lead
DGEP
- Upgrade of the GIS-based evaluation tools SIG-AEP and BD-INO, aligning them with the Sustainable Development Goals (ArcGIS Desktop add-in development with .NET C#, MapWindow plugin development with C# .NET).
- Creation of the national atlas for rural water supply.
- Data integration, structuring, storage, and backup.
Geoinformatics Specialist
COMO / GIZ
- Specification, tendering, and project management of the agile development and implementation of the GIS-based Farmer and Agent Management System (FAMS).
- Introduction of various geo-based ICT tools in the value chains of contract farming.
- Conducting geo-based data collection including data structuring, integration, and analysis.
- QGIS training for IT staff from 12 AgriFood industries.
- Identification of local IT capacities in Mozambique and match-making with the IT needs including business models for agriculture.
Team Lead, Software Architect
Hydrophil
- Development of the WASH-MIS Rwanda (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Management Information System).
- Frontend: Web GIS interface and Android app.
- Cloud hosting of services.
- Software architect, data management, training.
Team Lead
GFA / GIZ
- Consulting and coaching for "Startup support for innovative digital solutions in Tunisian agriculture".
- Training and capacity building, incubator and coaching.
Geoinformatician
Meri Pobo Group
- Introducing precision agriculture on three farms (macadamia, lychee, avocado) in Mozambique and Brazil.
- Use of GIS, integration of drone-based remote monitoring.
- Use of sensors for irrigation and soil quality.
- Development of a GIS-supported in-house ERP system.
- Feasibility study for introducing barcodes to ensure product traceability.
Geoinformatician, Solutions Architect
COMO Consulting / GIZ
- Development of a toolbox for introducing information and communication technologies in contract farming.
Geoinformatician
Gauff Ingenieure / World Bank
Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria
- Development of the basin-level information system (.NET, C#).
- Integration of Google Web Services.
- Development of the WebGIS-based National Digital Dam Inventory (ASP.NET C#, TatukGIS, Google Earth Engine).
- QGIS training for staff of watershed authorities and the Ministry of Water.
Geoinformatician, Solutions Engineer
COMO Consulting / GIZ
- Analysis of the potential of using ICT to increase efficiency in the agricultural value chain.
Software Architect, Geoinformatician, .Net Developer
Vattenfall Europe Information Services GmbH
- Consulting the company on geoinformatics issues (performance optimization of the ESRI ArcGIS Server/ArcSDE-Oracle DB/ArcObjects/ArcGIS Online/GEONIS/MapApps network environment).
- GIS training for ESRI, SDE, QGIS.
- Oracle Spatial DB performance training for Vattenfall IS.
- Further development of the TBOME software for risk assessment and slope stability calculation in open-pit mining (C# .Net).
- Development of a prototype for a geoportal for the mining damage information system, including geocoding (.Net C#, ArcGIS Runtime, Oracle).
Software Architect, Geoinformatician, Team Lead
EuropeAid / DGRE
- Audit of the hydrogeological database BD-INO and the GIS-based evaluation tools.
- Organization of an inventory of water infrastructure in six municipalities.
- Data structuring, integration, and reporting.
- Development of a satellite-based population mapping.
Software Architect, Geoinformatician, Team Lead
EuropeAid / Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute
- Development of the GIS-based Sugar Industry Management Information System SIMIS, including database and data migration (ESRI ArcGIS Runtime, ArcGIS Desktop, .Net C#).
- Development of a GIS-based management system for the interplay of harvesting, transport, and processing of sugarcane (ESRI ArcGIS, C# .Net).
- Development of models to determine the harvest time.
- Satellite image-based land use classification.
- Data integration.
- Drone-based detection of pest infestation.
- GIS training (ESRI and QGIS) and refinement of existing geodata processing.
Software Architect, Geoinformatician
GIZ Vietnam / GIZ Deutschland
- Development of specifications for a national GIS-based irrigation information system in Vietnam in collaboration with the relevant Vietnamese authorities.
- Development of project specifications for the tender.
- Support during the tender process.
Geoinformatics Specialist (ArcGIS), Team Leader
Gauff Ingenieure / US Army Corps of Engineers
- Spatial multi-criteria analysis of 2,000 km of roads in Benin to prioritize rehabilitation or new construction (ESRI ArcGIS).
- Creation of maps for environmental impact assessments, for return migration and trade flows.
- Provision of geodata through web GIS applications.
- Incorporation of ultra-high-resolution UAV remote sensing data.
- Setup of a GIS database, data modeling (ESRI ArcGIS).
- Assessment of opportunities to improve agricultural productivity, promote women's rights, and protect the environment and resources.
Content Management and GIS Expert
GIZ
- Development of the web-based information portal.
- Creation of the hydrological map of St. Lucia.
- Satellite image-based modeling of the catchment areas of six Caribbean countries.
- Creation of QGIS-based "on-a-stick" projects for six countries.
Software Architect, Water Resources Specialist
GIZ / Water Sector Regulatory Council
- Requirements analysis and technical specification for the development of a modular management information system for the regulatory authority.
- Modules for calculating performance indicators of water suppliers, tariff calculation, and benchmarking.
- Dynamic visualization using maps and charts.
Software Architect and Developer, Team Leader
COWI / DGRE
- Design and development of the GIS-based toolset SIG OMD for monitoring the development of national, regional, and local access rates to clean drinking water in Burkina Faso (C# .Net, MapWindow).
- Optimization of national planning.
- Training measures and client support.
Geoinformatics Specialist (C# .Net, ArcGIS, MapWindow), Team Leader
Kast & Partner
- Design, implementation, and maintenance of geotechnical expert systems for the approval and management of dams.
- Implementation of specialized extensions in ESRI ArcGIS and C# .Net.
- Modules for online sensor data, document management, geotagged photos.
- Database setup, data integration, data quality assurance.
- Technical documentation and client staff training.
PhD / Dr. rer. nat.
Albert-Ludwig University Freiburg
- PhD topic: control algorithms for sustainable investment in the rural drinking water sector in Burkina Faso.
- GIS-based planning, monitoring and evaluation tools to improve water governance in Burkina Faso.
- Grade: Magna Cum Laude.
Geoinformatician, water resources specialist
IGIP / DGE
- Creation of the national hydrogeological maps of Benin (ArcGIS).
Geoinformatician, team leader
Kast & Partner
- Concept and implementation of a geotechnical expert system for approval and management of flood protection structures.
- Development of data models, database, interfaces, and migration strategies.
- Implementation using MapWindow GIS with C# .NET.
- Technical documentation and training of client staff.
Software architect and water resources specialist
Danida / DGRE
- Specification of TOR for the creation of the national water information system of Burkina Faso SNIEAU.
- Data modeling, tendering and evaluation.
- Monitoring of implementation.
- Needs analysis workshops, stakeholder dialogues.
Software architect and database developer, water resources specialist
World Bank / RESE
- Specification and implementation of a web-based information system on the activities of all donors in the water sector in the DRC.
- Decentralized data maintenance, proprietary data sets, data export to MS Excel and PDF.
- Needs analysis workshops, stakeholder dialogues, training measures and client support.
- Implementation using C# .NET, ASP.NET, PostgreSQL.
Software Architect, GIS Expert, Water Resources Specialist, Team Leader
GIZ / CICOS / CNAEA
- Designed and developed several WebGIS-based information systems (fleet register, port, water, and dam information systems) for the five member countries of the basin authority (Dem. Rep. of the Congo, Cameroon, Rep. of the Congo, Central African Republic).
- Led an interdisciplinary team to specify a national water information system for the Dem. Rep. of the Congo.
- Created hydrological maps, navigation charts, and hydroelectric maps of the transnational basin.
- Conducted needs analysis workshops, stakeholder dialogues, data modeling, and training on GIS and data integration.
Software Architect and Geo-Informatics Specialist
AHT Essen / ABH
- Migrated existing GIS-based planning tools for creating regional water management plans to ESRI ArcGIS 9.1 using C# .Net.
- Deployed the software on-site, provided training, and supported the creation of regional water management plans.
Software Architect and Geo-Informatics Specialist
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology / BMBF
- Designed, implemented, and maintained the ESRI GIS-based information system IS Deichsicherheit Dessau/Elbe.
- Developed using C# .Net.
- Integrated online sensors (water level, soil moisture).
- Created technical documentation and trained client staff.
Software Architect and Geo-Informatics Specialist
GOPA / European Union / DGRE
- Developed GIS-based tools to plan and monitor access to drinking water with respect to the Millennium Development Goals.
- Integrated satellite data into the evaluation of AEP surveys for standardized spatial determination of semi-urban and rural water needs.
- Developed strategies and tools for decentralizing AEP planning and data management (ESRI ArcObjects, .Net C#).
Geo-Informatics Specialist, Water Resources Specialist
GIZ / Ministry of Water
- Conducted a feasibility study on using GIS and remote sensing to optimize and monitor on-farm water management.
- Developed a cost-effective remote sensing method to annually determine water needs of irrigated agriculture using Landsat data.
- Identified and evaluated existing geodata and software landscape.
- Provided training and client support.
Geoinformatics Specialist, Remote Sensing and Integrated Water Management Expert
GAF / European Space Agency / OSS
Project Aquifer/TIGER
- Use of satellite-based remote sensing data for cross-border management of the SASS (Libya, Tunisia, Algeria) and Iullemeden (Niger, Mali, Nigeria) aquifer systems.
- Conducting workshops with target groups and local institutes to identify and define EO products.
- Determining project areas and gathering necessary physical parameters and reference data.
Geoinformatics Specialist, Integrated Water Management Expert
GKW / DGPRE
Project Eau Long Terme
- Analysis of the existing GI landscape at DGPRE. Development of concepts to optimize the databases and GIS models for sustainable data maintenance.
- Identifying gaps in geodata for the two project regions.
- Developing a training plan for the GIS/remote sensing team at DGPRE.
Software Architect and Geoinformatics Specialist
AHT Essen / ABH / University of Stuttgart
- Concept and implementation of the GIS-based digital accounting model for water resources and demand to develop a regional water framework plan (PRE).
- Design and implementation of a regional-level scenario database.
- Concept and implementation of a GIS-based rainfall interpolation model using six kriging methods.
- Training and support for the client.
Developer and Geoinformatics Specialist (ArcView Avenue)
Geomatics Lahr
- Development of the ArcView extension 'Flood Protection Information System in the Lower Rhine'.
Software Architect and Geoinformatics Specialist (ESRI MapObjects, Delphi), Water Resources Specialist
GIZ / WSSPMO
- Concept and implementation of a hierarchical water information system at the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) in Manila and several local branches.
- Development and programming of a database interface with an integrated GIS viewer using Delphi 5 / MapObjects.
- Implementation of routines for data synchronization among the participants.
- Client training.
Software Architect and Geoinformatics Specialist
Kast & Partner / MUNLV NRW
- Design, implementation, and maintenance of the GIS-based information systems IS Dike Safety and IS Flood Protection for various district administrations in Germany (Cologne/Bonn, Krefeld, Arnsberg) and other clients.
- Design and implementation of a web-based map server application (ArcIMS) for managing flood protection structures on the Rhine and Sieg rivers.
- Implementation using ArcView/Avenue, later in C# .Net.
- Technical documentation and training of client staff.
Software Architect and Geoinformatics Specialist (ESRI ArcView Avenue, Oracle), Water Resources Specialist
AHT Essen / MOWI
- Design and implementation of various modules to predict future water demand and resource development in Jordan.
- Integration with the national Oracle water information system.
- Design and implementation of a GIS-based rainfall-runoff model, evapotranspiration, and infiltration modeling.
- Development of a water balance model based on ArcView GIS 3.x as a component of the 'Digital Water Master Plans'.
- Training on GIS and the modules.
Developer
Freiburg Environmental Office
- Development of the ArcView extension 'Biotope Information System Freiburg'.
Guest Lecturer
University of Warsaw
- Guest lecturer on the topic 'Applying GIS in Environmental Science - Case Studies in Western Europe'.
Software Architect and Computer Scientist, Water Resources Specialist
AHT Essen / DGETH
- Development of a GIS-based user interface for the storage optimization model of Wageningen University.
- Integration of the model into the DGETH database environment.
- Training at the client's site.
Software Developer and Geoinformatics Specialist
Institute for Cartography and Remote Sensing Freiburg
- Conducted environmental impact studies using ESRI UNIX ARC/INFO GIS.
- Conducted ecological studies using ESRI UNIX ARC/INFO GIS.
- Developed an ESRI ARC/INFO terrain model for northern Tunisia.
Software Developer and Environmental Engineer
ENMOTEC Riegel
- Handled contaminated site issues, planned and carried out climate monitoring of landfills.
- Conducted AutoCAD user training.
- Performed technical landfill investigations.
- Conducted geophysical surveys (ground-penetrating radar).
- Provided network support.
Software Developer and Hydrogeologist
HydroData Ballrechten-Dottingen
- Planned and conducted pumping tests, tracer hydrology, time series analyses, and borehole log evaluations.
- Developed a company database for pumping test results.
Diploma in Geology
Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
- Focus areas: engineering geology and hydrogeology.
- Thesis: 'GIS-based modeling of groundwater recharge rate in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan'.
- Grade: very good.
Software Developer (C++)
Dornier GmbH Friedrichshafen
- Developed software (Unix C) for the mobile communications sector (D1 network).
Graduate Engineer (BA) Electrical Engineering / Practical Student
Berufsakademie Ravensburg / Dornier GmbH
- Topic of the thesis: "Implementing a test device to generate an HDLC data frame in the format of the Meteosat MDD (Meteorological Data Distribution) mission".
- Practical training: Dornier GmbH Friedrichshafen.
- Rating: good.
Basic Military Service
Industries Experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.
Experienced in Utilities (26 years), Government and Administration (20 years), Agriculture (12 years), Information Technology (12 years), Education (11 years), and Professional Services (6 years).
Business Areas Experience
The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.
Experienced in Information Technology (33 years), Research and Development (28 years), Product Development (26.5 years), Project Management (14 years), Business Intelligence (6.5 years), and Supply Chain Management (5.5 years).
Summary
Geoinformatics specialist, data analyst, developer, cartographer and trainer.
Project and team leadership experience.
Topics: energy, water management, agriculture, transport.
Skills
- It Development: C#, Vb .Net, C++, Asp .Net, Wpf, Azure, Python, Arcpy, Javascript
- Geomatics: Esri Arcgis (Enterprise, Desktop, Server, Runtime, Online, Arcsde), Qgis/qfield, Mapwindow, Tatukgis, Dotspatial, Geonis, Erdas Imagine, Gdal, Postgis, Saga, Oracle Spatial, Ogc
- Development Environments/libraries: .Net Framework, Arcgis Runtime, Arcobjects, Edf, Wpf
- Databases & Tools: Postgresql, Mysql, Oracle, Sql Server, Cloud Services, Ms Access, Odk
- Other: Scrum, Wordpress, Ms Office, Xml, Gml, Kml, Json, Geojson
Languages
Education
University of Freiburg (Albert Ludwig University)
Dr. rer. nat., Control algorithms for sustainable investment in the rural drinking water sector of Burkina Faso. · Environment and Natural Resources · Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany · Magna Cum Laude
University of Freiburg (Albert Ludwig University)
Diploma Geologist, Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology · Geology · Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany · very good
Ravensburg University of Cooperative Education
Diploma Engineer (BA) in Electrical Engineering · Telecommunications and Communication Electronics · Ravensburg, Germany · good
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