Hari Krishna Dhonju from Nepal

Initially, I started out in my engineering career as a civil engineer-cum-computer programmer. My main responsibility was analysing and solving real complex civil engineering problems, and on this basis developing appropriate engineering tools. Meanwhile, I had become aware that most engineering work was spatial in nature, and in due course, I started to work with ArcGIS in developing civil engineering tools to solve spatial problems. Although I was successful in solving the complex spatial engineering problems effectively, I felt that my knowledge of geo-information science and earth observation was inadequate. I wanted to dig deep into the problems and deliver a complete solution in an efficient and effective way. Consequently doing an MSc in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation was the best move to fulfil my aspiration and assist my career. 

I knew that ITC was well known all over the world for its expertise in the field of geo-information science and earth observation. I was interested in acquiring comprehensive knowledge of GIS and remote sensing in order to strengthen my professionalism in civil engineering, and then contribute my expertise to the nation. And I chose ITC as the place to achieve this purpose.

ITC welcomes students at the start as guests, arranging different recreational activities. Then it gradually feeds geo-information texts and facts to the students, including strict academic rules and regulations. It keeps the students busy with studies from Monday to Friday, while the weekend involves recreational activities that help the students to relax after the tough study load of the past week.

In my studies, I took two major modules (laser scanning and 3D geo-information from imagery) as advanced courses. These helped me a lot in my research on improving 3D models by adding image information. In this research, I had to use comparatively better information from each of the airborne laser scanning data and high-resolution images to improve the automatically reconstructed 3D building roof models. I found the research very interesting, as I prefer to work with 3D geometries and geo-information.

Having an ITC degree made it very easy for me to find a job, as ITC is known to produce competent and independent junior researchers. Currently, I am working as a GIS application developer at ICIMOD, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal. My main responsibilities are (1) developing GIS-based web and desktop applications using open source and commercial GIS/remote sensing software tools, and (2) documenting the developed applications. I think my job is innovative and somewhat challenging, as I frequently have to deal with new problems in today’s competitive world. I usually feel happiest and most satisfied when I can succeed in resolving complex and challenging GIS/remote sensing problems through programming.

At present, I am enjoying my core programming work in GIS and remote sensing. Innovation and development can play a key role in providing geospatial solutions to real and ever-growing spatial problems − for both today and tomorrow. In this sense, I want to develop my career by analysing spatial problems and solving them through the development of innovative tools. Furthermore, my focus will be on addressing real-time spatial problems, information sharing, and disseminating knowledge and understanding of real problems among the community and the country.

In this competitive world, I would like to say to current students that specialization is the most essential part of any profession, and as far as possible this must relate to your own subject of interest. It will help you to resolve problems with enthusiasm. ITC will teach you time management, self-centred learning and system Earth. Further, it will teach you who you are, what you can do and how you can perform your work independently so that you can recognize yourself and your capabilities. If prospective students are looking for such things, they should not delay in choosing ITC as the place to pursue their higher studies, a better career and a better tomorrow.