Dr. Zubairul Islam
Professor & Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Hensard University · Nigeria
I am a geospatial scientist, academic and research leader working at the intersection of GIS, Remote Sensing, Earth observation, spatial modelling and artificial intelligence. My research applies geospatial science to environmental change, ecological stress, climate-related hazards, landscape dynamics, population intelligence and public-health challenges.
Scholarly & Digital Profiles
Research publications, academic identity, open-source geospatial work and educational resources.
Contact & Academic Collaboration
For research collaboration, academic enquiries, geospatial training, scholarly publishing and professional engagement.
Research Themes & Scientific Expertise
My research integrates Earth observation, Geographic Information Science, spatial modelling and artificial intelligence to understand environmental and population processes and translate geospatial information into reproducible, interpretable and decision-relevant scientific evidence.
GeoAI & Earth Observation
Development and application of satellite Earth observation, machine learning, deep learning and cloud geospatial computing for environmental classification, prediction and spatial intelligence.
Ecosystems & Environmental Change
Long-term assessment of vegetation, mangrove ecosystems, ecological stress, land-cover change and landscape processes using multi-temporal satellite observations and spatial analytical models.
Climate, Hazards & Landscape Dynamics
Spatial assessment of climate-sensitive environmental processes including wildfire, agricultural water stress, surface temperature, environmental stress and landscape vulnerability across arid and semi-arid environments.
Health GIS, Spatial Epidemiology & Population Intelligence
Geospatial analysis of disease burden, maternal and child health, malaria-service delivery, population estimation and healthcare accessibility using routine health information, spatial statistics and machine-learning approaches.
Methods &
Analytical Environment
Recent & Featured Publications
Selected peer-reviewed research spanning GeoAI, Earth observation, ecological monitoring, climate hazards, mangrove conservation, health GIS, spatial epidemiology and population intelligence.
GeoAI & Earth Observation
Machine learning · Deep learning · PredictionComparative evaluation of neural networks and ensemble models for vegetation trend prediction in a semiarid mountain ecosystem, Saudi Arabia
Predictive modelling of long-term vegetation dynamics through neural-network and ensemble machine-learning approaches in a semiarid mountain environment.
A deep learning approach for assessing environmental stress dynamics in the Makkah watersheds, Saudi Arabia
Application of deep-learning methods and environmental indicators for modelling spatial and temporal environmental-stress dynamics.
AI-driven mangrove mapping on Farasan Islands, Saudi Arabia: enhancing the detection of dispersed patches with ML classifiers
Machine-learning-based Earth-observation analysis designed to improve mapping of spatially dispersed mangrove patches.
Cropland classification and water stress vulnerability assessment in arid environment of Churu district, India using machine learning approach
Machine-learning-based cropland classification combined with spatial assessment of agricultural water-stress vulnerability in an arid environment.
Ecosystems & Environmental Change
Mangroves · Vegetation · Ecological stressEcological Stress Assessment on Vegetation in the Al-Baha Highlands, Saudi Arabia (1991–2023)
Long-term assessment of vegetation condition and ecological stress across a high-elevation semiarid mountain environment.
An ML-Based Ensemble Approach for the Precision Classification of Mangroves, Trend Analysis, and Priority Reforestation Areas in Asir, Saudi Arabia
Integrates ensemble machine learning, temporal mangrove analysis and spatial prioritisation to support mangrove restoration planning.
Ecological Stress Modeling to Conserve Mangrove Ecosystem Along the Jazan Coast of Saudi Arabia
Combines mangrove mapping and ecological stress modelling to provide spatial evidence for coastal ecosystem conservation.
Vegetation trends and dynamics in Shada Mountain, Saudi Arabia (1984–2023): insights from Google Earth Engine and R analysis
Four decades of vegetation dynamics examined through satellite time-series, Google Earth Engine and statistical analysis in R.
Climate, Hazards & Landscape Dynamics
Wildfire · Climate · Water stress · Environmental riskIntegrating VIIRS Fire Detections and ERA5-Land Reanalysis for Modeling Wildfire Probability in Arid Mountain Systems of the Arabian Peninsula
Integrates satellite fire observations, climate reanalysis and geospatial environmental variables to model wildfire probability in arid mountain systems.
Cropland classification and water stress vulnerability assessment in arid environment of Churu district, India using machine learning approach
Assesses agricultural vulnerability under arid conditions by integrating cropland classification with spatial indicators of water stress.
Mangroves trend and their impact on surface temperature in Al-Wajh Lagoon: a study aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Examines the relationship between mangrove dynamics and land surface temperature to evaluate the thermal and environmental role of coastal vegetation.
A deep learning approach for assessing environmental stress dynamics in the Makkah watersheds, Saudi Arabia
Applies deep-learning methods to identify changing environmental-stress conditions across arid watershed landscapes.
Health GIS & Spatial Epidemiology
Malaria · Population · Health services · Spatial analysisGIS-based geospatial analysis of COVID-19 in southern India
Application of GIS and cartographic analysis to investigate spatial and temporal patterns of infectious-disease occurrence across southern India.
Predicting IPTp3 Coverage at Health-Facility Level Using XGBoost Machine Learning and Spatial Diagnostics in Kebbi State, Nigeria
Facility-level GeoAI framework integrating routine health-service information, population data, health-facility catchments and XGBoost modelling to understand IPTp3 performance.
Geospatial analysis of Malaria-in-Pregnancy Service Gaps using Routine Health Data in Cross River State, Nigeria
Spatial analysis of routine health information to identify geographic inequalities and persistent gaps between antenatal-care attendance and malaria preventive-treatment delivery.
Catchment-Level Spatial Inequities in Antenatal Care Utilization and Malaria Prevention in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Health-facility catchment analysis integrating population demand and routine maternal-health indicators to identify fine-scale spatial inequalities in ANC utilization and malaria prevention.
Correlating Projected and Surveyed Population using Google Building Footprints in Jigawa State, Nigeria: Targeting Zero Dose Children Aligned with SDG Goal 3
Integrates Google Building Footprints, household-survey observations and geospatial population modelling to evaluate population estimates and improve spatial targeting of zero-dose children.
Explore the complete publication record
The publications above represent selected recent research. Visit my scholarly profiles for the complete publication record, citations and continuing research updates.
Teaching, Research Supervision & Academic Capacity Building
My teaching connects geospatial theory with hands-on analytical practice, enabling students and professionals to move from spatial data acquisition to analysis, modelling, visualization and evidence-based decision-making.
Teaching Philosophy
I approach geospatial education as an integration of scientific understanding, analytical reasoning and practical problem-solving. Students progress from understanding spatial concepts and Earth-observation principles to working with real datasets, GIS software, satellite imagery, cloud platforms and reproducible analytical workflows. The emphasis is on developing the ability to translate geospatial evidence into meaningful environmental, social and policy insights.
University Teaching & Academic Leadership
Teaching and academic engagement across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education in India and Africa.
Hensard University
Academic leadership in environmental sciences with emphasis on GIS, Remote Sensing, geospatial analysis and research development.
University of Abuja
Postgraduate and PhD-level teaching in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing.
Adigrat University
Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in GIS, Remote Sensing and applied geospatial sciences.
CASS, Eritrea
Undergraduate teaching with emphasis on GIS and Remote Sensing applications.
MJPR University, Bareilly
Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Geography and geospatial methods.
Selected Geospatial Courses
Selected teaching materials and courses available through this website.
Remote Sensing
Principles of satellite remote sensing, electromagnetic radiation, sensors, image interpretation, digital image processing and environmental applications.
Geographic Information Systems
Spatial data models, coordinate systems, database development, spatial analysis, visualization and GIS-based problem solving.
Global Positioning System
GPS principles, satellite positioning, field data collection, integration of observations with GIS and geospatial mapping workflows.
Advanced Remote Sensing in Policy Making
Application of Earth-observation information to evidence-based policy formulation, environmental management and strategic decision-making.
Introduction to Economics of Climate Emergency
Interdisciplinary introduction to climate change, environmental risk, socio-economic implications and the global context of the climate emergency.
Google Earth Engine, R & Cloud Geospatial Analysis
Reproducible geospatial workflows for satellite-data processing, environmental monitoring, statistical analysis and cloud-based Earth observation.
Research Supervision
Developing Independent Researchers
Supervision emphasizes methodological rigor, reproducible geospatial analysis, scientific writing and the translation of research questions into defensible analytical workflows.
Graduate Geospatial Education
Development of structured graduate programmes designed to integrate GIS, Remote Sensing, spatial analysis, research methods and applied geospatial problem-solving.
Curriculum for Postgraduate GIS & Remote Sensing
Graduate-level curriculum integrating GIScience, Remote Sensing, cartography, spatial analysis and applied geospatial research.
View Curriculum →PhD Programme Development in GIS & Remote Sensing
Doctoral curriculum development designed around advanced geospatial theory, analytical methods, independent research and scientific application.
Academic Curriculum DevelopmentGeography & Scholarly Learning Library
An open collection of teaching and reference materials spanning physical geography, human geography, world regional geography, Indian geography, history, culture and international relations. The library brings together structured academic resources developed for students, teachers, researchers and independent learners.
Foundations of Geography
Core concepts, disciplinary development and the astronomical context of Earth.
Geography: Definitions, Themes, Branches & Development
Introduction to the discipline, its major themes, branches and development.
Explore Resource → Earth & SpaceUniverse & Solar System
Foundational material on the universe, solar system and planetary context of Earth.
Explore Resource →Physical Geography & Earth Systems
Earth structure, landforms, oceans, atmosphere, water, ecosystems and biogeography.
The Earth & Its Interior
Earth’s internal structure, composition and major geological processes.
Explore Resource → GeomorphologyThe Earth Surface Features
Major terrestrial landforms, processes and surface features.
Explore Resource → OceanographyOceans: Introduction & Relief Features
Ocean basins, seafloor relief and fundamental oceanographic concepts.
Explore Resource → OceanographyOceans: Water Characteristics & Movement
Characteristics and movement of ocean water and related marine processes.
Explore Resource → Marine ResourcesOcean Resources
Biological, mineral and other resources associated with marine environments.
Explore Resource → HydrologyWetlands
Wetland environments, surface-water systems and their geographic significance.
Explore Resource → ClimatologyAtmosphere: Introduction, Composition & Structure
Composition, vertical structure and significance of Earth’s atmosphere.
Explore Resource → ClimatologyAtmospheric Phenomena
Weather and atmospheric processes shaping Earth’s climatic environments.
Explore Resource → BiogeographyBio-Geography
Geographic patterns of ecosystems, vegetation and biological distributions.
Explore Resource →Human & Economic Geography
Human populations, resources, economic activities, transport, trade and cultural geography.
Human Geography
Population, cultural regions, society and major human geographical processes.
Explore Resource → Economic GeographyHuman Activities & Resources
Resources, production systems and human economic activities.
Explore Resource → Economic GeographyTransport & Trade
Transportation systems, connectivity, trade and spatial economic interaction.
Explore Resource →World Regional Geography
Regional geographic patterns and major world regions.
Geography of India
A structured collection covering India’s physical, environmental, economic and human geography.
India: Integrated Geographic Studies
Explore India’s geology, physiography, drainage, climate, vegetation, soils, natural resources, human activities, transportation, tourism, protected areas, climate change and natural hazards.
Indo-African Journal for Resource Management and Planning
ISSN 2347-1786A peer-reviewed scholarly journal and archive covering resource management, spatial planning, environmental studies, geospatial analysis and related development research across Africa, Asia and other regions.
Geospatial Applications & Digital Research Infrastructure
Beyond peer-reviewed publications, I develop interactive geospatial applications, cloud-based analytical workflows and open computational resources that translate Earth-observation and spatial data into accessible tools for environmental monitoring, disaster risk reduction, population analysis and public-health decision support.
From Research to Operational Tools
My digital geospatial work extends the conventional research workflow beyond static maps and journal figures. Interactive applications enable users to explore spatial patterns, investigate environmental conditions, identify underserved locations and interact directly with geographic evidence. Cloud computing further supports reproducible analysis of large Earth-observation datasets.
Featured Geospatial Applications
Selected operational and exploratory applications developed for climate, disaster, population and health-related spatial analysis.
Flood Warning in Nigeria
Interactive Earth Engine application supporting spatial assessment of rainfall conditions and potential flood-related risk across Nigeria.
Nigeria Flood Monitoring
Interactive cloud-based application designed to support visual assessment and monitoring of flood conditions using geospatial Earth-observation information.
Settlements Beyond 5 km from Health Facilities
Spatial accessibility resource identifying settlements located beyond a five-kilometre distance from healthcare facilities across multiple Nigerian states.
Google Building Footprints: Amuwo-Odofin
Interactive visualization of AI-derived Google Building Footprints for settlement and built-environment analysis.
Geospatial Public-Health Applications
Spatial tools developed to investigate health-service accessibility, settlement distribution and immunization vulnerability.
From Population Surfaces to Health-Service Planning
These applications demonstrate how settlement locations, building footprints, population information and health-service geography can be combined to reveal underserved communities and support geographically targeted intervention planning.
Computational Geospatial Resources
Cloud notebooks and analytical workflows supporting reproducible geospatial computation and data science.
Colab Notebooks: Using Python Libraries
Collection of cloud-based computational notebooks for spatial analysis, data processing, visualization and reproducible research workflows using Python.
Explore Colab Notebooks ↗Google Earth Engine Research Workflows
Cloud-based processing of satellite imagery and geospatial datasets for environmental monitoring, land-cover mapping, hazards, vegetation analysis and spatial decision support.
Explore GEE Applications ↗Digital Geospatial Research Workflow
A typical application moves from Earth-observation and spatial data through modelling to an accessible interactive decision-support product.
Editorial & Academic Leadership
My academic leadership extends to scholarly publishing and research communication through Editor-in-Chief responsibilities across multidisciplinary journals addressing environment, policy and development, health governance, digital transformation, resource management and spatial planning.
Editorial Leadership
The editorial portfolio brings together interdisciplinary scholarship across environmental science, geospatial research, public policy, economics, development, public health and resource management. Through these platforms, I contribute to strengthening scholarly communication, evidence-based research and the international visibility of research addressing Africa, the Global South and wider global challenges.
Journals Under Editorial Leadership
Selected scholarly journals for which I serve as Editor-in-Chief.
Hensard Journal of Environment
HJEA multidisciplinary scholarly platform addressing environmental science, climate change, biodiversity, ecosystem management, pollution, sustainable land and water management, environmental governance and geospatial applications.
Hensard Journal of Policy, Economics and Development
HJPEDA multidisciplinary journal connecting academic research with public policy, economics, governance and sustainable development, with particular relevance to Nigeria, Africa, the Global South and the international community.
Hensard Journal of Health Governance and Digital Transformation
HJHGDTAn interdisciplinary scholarly platform connecting public health, health governance, digital transformation, health information systems, spatial epidemiology and data-driven approaches to health-system decision making.
Indo-African Journal for Resource Management and Planning
Resource Management · PlanningA scholarly platform supporting research in resource management, spatial and regional planning, environmental studies, geographic analysis and related development issues, with an Indo-African perspective.
Scholarly Publishing Leadership
The editorial portfolio is designed to strengthen credible research communication across disciplinary boundaries while creating platforms for researchers addressing important environmental, economic, social, health and development challenges.
Building Platforms for Scholarly Exchange
These editorial roles complement my research, teaching and academic leadership by supporting the dissemination of evidence-based scholarship across environmental science, policy, development and public health.
Authored Books, Geospatial Texts & Thematic Map Books
My authored works span geography, Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, quantitative methods, environmental studies, Google Earth Engine, terrain analysis, environmental impact assessment and thematic cartography. The portfolio combines conceptual scholarship with practical geospatial applications and regionally focused map-based knowledge products.
Scholarly Writing & Knowledge Development
My books are designed to connect geographic theory with geospatial methods and practical application. They cover foundational and regional geography, quantitative techniques, Earth-observation technologies, GIS-based environmental analysis, Google Earth Engine workflows and thematic mapping across India and Africa.
Geography & Environmental Studies
Foundational, regional and environmental works supporting geography education and spatial understanding.
Geography of India (GIS Based)
A GIS-oriented treatment of Indian geography integrating spatial understanding with geographic themes and map-based interpretation.
India and World Geography
A broad regional geography work addressing the geography of India within a wider global geographic framework.
Environmental Studies
An interdisciplinary academic resource addressing environmental systems, human–environment relationships and environmental challenges.
GIS, Remote Sensing & Analytical Methods
Books focused on geospatial technology, quantitative analysis, Earth observation and applied environmental modelling.
Quantitative Techniques in Geography
Quantitative and analytical approaches for geographic research, spatial data interpretation and empirical analysis.
Geospatial Applications and Case Studies using Google Earth Engine
Application-oriented case studies demonstrating the use of cloud-based geospatial analysis for real-world geographic and environmental problems.
Google Earth Engine for GIS and Remote Sensing Analysis
A practical geospatial resource focusing on the use of Google Earth Engine for GIS and Remote Sensing analysis.
Terrain Analysis in GIS and Remote Sensing
Geospatial approaches for understanding terrain, topography and landscape characteristics using GIS and Remote Sensing.
Environmental Impact Assessment: Integrating GIS Technology and Practice
Integrates environmental-impact assessment principles with GIS-based spatial analysis and practical geospatial decision support.
Planning & Thematic Map Books
Regionally focused cartographic works translating geographic data into planning and land-use knowledge products.
Planning Map Book of Madhya Pradesh
Thematic and planning-oriented cartographic representation of geographic information for Madhya Pradesh, India.
Map Book: Land Use and Landcover of Nigeria
A thematic cartographic representation of land-use and land-cover patterns across Nigeria.
Planning Map Book of Maharashtra
Planning-oriented maps and regional geographic information organized for Maharashtra, India.
Map Book: Land Use and Landcover of Eastern Tigray Zone, Tigray Regional State of Ethiopia
Thematic land-use and land-cover mapping focused on Eastern Tigray Zone in northern Ethiopia.
The planning and thematic map books extend the scholarly portfolio beyond conventional text-based publications. They organize geographic information into regionally focused visual resources for understanding land use, environmental patterns and spatial planning contexts.
Areas of Scholarly Contribution
Collectively, the books connect geographic education with quantitative reasoning, geospatial technologies, Earth observation, environmental assessment and applied cartography.
India, world geography and environmental studies.
GIS, Remote Sensing and quantitative techniques.
Google Earth Engine applications and case studies.
Planning, land-use and regional thematic map books.
Selected Conferences, Seminars & Professional Training
Selected academic presentations, seminars and professional-development activities reflecting my engagement with geospatial science, environmental analysis, Earth observation, climate applications and advanced spatial methods.
Knowledge Exchange & Capacity Building
My academic engagement combines presentation of applied geospatial research with training and knowledge transfer. The selected activities demonstrate applications of GIS, Remote Sensing, geostatistics and cloud computing to public health, agriculture, environmental monitoring, climate studies, land degradation and spatial planning.
Selected Research Presentations
Applied research addressing public health, agriculture, suitability modelling, vegetation monitoring and land degradation.
Geospatial analysis of confirmed and death cases during the first and second waves of COVID-19 in Southern India
Application of geospatial methods to examine spatial patterns associated with COVID-19 cases and mortality during successive pandemic waves.
Spatial analysis of crop water requirement for Teff in the Nile Basin of Ethiopia
Spatial assessment of crop water requirements supporting geographically informed agricultural and water-resource planning.
GIS-based site-suitability analysis for sports practice in Ethiopia
GIS-based multi-criteria spatial analysis for identifying suitable geographic locations for sports-related activities.
Vegetation Health Index (1982–2016) and 2017 using AVHRR/VIIRS data in Tigray Region
Long-term vegetation-health monitoring using AVHRR and VIIRS satellite observations to assess changing vegetation conditions in Tigray.
Soil-loss assessment by RUSLE in a cloud-based platform
Application of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation within a cloud-computing geospatial environment for erosion assessment.
Academic Seminars & Capacity Building
Teaching and professional-development activities focused on practical applications of geospatial technologies.
Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing in Environmental Science
Introduction to geospatial concepts, spatial data, Earth observation and their applications in environmental analysis and monitoring.
Use of Google Earth Engine in environmental analysis
Practical introduction to cloud-based Earth-observation processing and environmental analysis using Google Earth Engine.
Integration of GIS and Remote Sensing in climate-change studies and adaptation strategies
Application of GIS and Earth-observation information to climate-change assessment, spatial vulnerability analysis and adaptation planning.
Advanced Professional Development
Advanced methodological training supporting quantitative and spatial research.
Geostatistics — UGC-HRDC, Calicut University, Kerala
Advanced professional-development training in geostatistical concepts and methods relevant to spatial data analysis and geographic research.
Areas of Academic Engagement
Together, these activities reflect a continuing engagement with applied research, methodological development and geospatial capacity building across environmental and social applications.
AVHRR, VIIRS and satellite-based environmental monitoring.
Suitability analysis, RUSLE and geostatistical methods.
Google Earth Engine and scalable environmental analysis.
Training in GIS, Remote Sensing and climate applications.
