Matheesha Liyana Arachchige

Background

A seasoned professional with over 15 years of extensive experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Web Development, Carbon Management, Forestry, and Environmental Science, he brings a wealth of expertise to his roles. With a robust academic background, including an MSc in Carbon Management from the University of Glasgow, a BSc in Forestry and Environmental Science from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and a Postgraduate Diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing from the University of Southampton, he has successfully managed a diverse range of academic and industrial projects. His career spans notable positions such as Data Systems Developer at Cranfield University, Web GIS Systems Developer at Cyient, and Geospatial Technician at NM Group, among others.

Research opportunities

Now, he seeks to expand his skill set into the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, aiming to leverage his strong foundation in environmental science and technology.

Current activities

As the Data Systems Developer at Cranfield Environment Centre, he plays a pivotal role in the soil informatics team, applying his extensive expertise in information technology, environmental science, remote sensing, and geographical information systems. His responsibilities involve the creation of innovative applications and products that leverage national spatial environmental datasets, providing essential insights into soil, climate, and land data.

He works closely with clients from various sectors, developing data-driven solutions that address specific challenges and facilitate informed decision-making for the UK Government and businesses. He is dedicated to exploring new opportunities to expand the Centre's offerings and remain at the forefront of developments in the field.

A significant aspect of his role is to maintain and enhance the Centre's digital infrastructure. He focuses on developing and managing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and both structured and unstructured data platforms, ensuring the seamless integration of national spatial environmental datasets with existing and new platforms. This work is crucial for keeping the Centre's systems robust and adaptable to evolving needs.

Additionally, he oversees the maintenance and upgrades of the LandIS website and tools, ensuring clients have continuous access to the most current information and resources. His passion for environmental science and his commitment to delivering innovative, high-impact solutions drive his efforts to support the Centre and its clients in achieving positive outcomes.