Erkan Guler
GIS EXPERT | GEOMATIK ENGINEER
Bonn Germany
Summary
Experienced Geospatial Engineer and Program Officer with a strong background in developing, implementing, and maintaining scalable and interoperable Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing capabilities. Skilled in developing solutions that support the assessment, monitoring, and evaluation of forestry management standards, ensuring high-quality geospatial insights drive conservation efforts, sustainable forest management, and policy decisions. A hands-on professional combining strong technical expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data engineering with the ability to interface with business stakeholders and external partners. Proficient in translating complex technical capabilities into practical applications and promoting the broader use of GIS and remote sensing while ensuring seamless integration with enterprise systems.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education
Work History
ICT Analyst -(GIS Dashboard Analyst)
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services)
04.2025 - Current
- Collaborates with the communications team to implement data visualizations, UN-standard map visualizations, precise text, communications standards and branding requirements.
- Assists in establishing metadata documentation standards to ensure consistency and ease of reference across datasets.
- Assists the spatial planner in development of automated data validation tools to flag inconsistencies and improve data accuracy.
- Assists the GIS specialists to integrate spatial datasets effectively into the UN Biodiversity Lab platform.
- Maintains a database of data sources and update it regularly to track data provenance.
- Assists in preparing technical documentation on data governance policies and procedures.
- Assists in implementation of version control strategies for datasets to track changes and maintain data history.
- Contributes to the optimization of database queries to improve performance and reduce latency.
- Assists in the design and implementation of user-friendly dashboard for real-time biodiversity data monitoring.
- Assists in the development of mobile-friendly applications or tools to extend platform accessibility.
- Rigorously test dashboards to ensure accuracy, functionality, and compliance with defined standards.
GIS Coordinator
SP Bau GmbH
11.2023 - Current
- Managed and supervised GIS-related projects, ensuring compliance with quality standards and deadlines, including projects with potential for integrating forestry and natural resource datasets.
- Led spatial data analysis and visualization efforts using ESRI technologies (ArcGIS), integrating GIS insights into comprehensive technical reports focused on sustainability and environmental indicators.
- Coordinated and prepared technical documentation related to GIS system architecture, workflows, and operational procedures.
- Designed and optimized geospatial workflows to enhance efficiency in spatial data management; gained experience in developing geospatial databases and data models.
Program Officer
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
11.2018 - 10.2023
- Directed the design and implementation of geospatial solutions supporting sustainable land
management initiatives for 54 country parties. - Created over 10 interactive ArcGIS Story Maps and eight Power BI dashboards, simplifying complex datasets for stakeholders.
- Coordinated with global stakeholders to explore the application of remote sensing, AI, and machine learning in land restoration projects.
- Played a key role in drafting 25+ concept notes and technical reports for high-level international
initiatives, such as the G20 Global Land Initiative. - Established data standards and frameworks for global sustainability programs, ensuring
consistency and reliability across projects. - Led the development of the Global Land Restoration Information Hub (GRIH) under the G20 Global Land Initiative, aligning GIS strategies with organizational goals.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to review and update geospatial indicator frameworks, acting as a technical liaison
Division Supervisor - Expert
Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture
07.2010 - 11.2018
- Supervised a 15-member team for the Turkish Soil Taxonomic Database Project, ensuring timely completion.
- Chaired seven regional meetings as part of UNCCD Northern Mediterranean Region, driving key environmental decisions.
- Led inter-ministerial collaborations on forest and agricultural environmental challenges.
- Managed complex geospatial data projects, ensuring compliance with national and international environmental policies.
- Led GIS-based policy development for forestry and natural resource management, integrating data from national and international sources.
- Developed thematic maps illustrating environmental risks, influencing policy and executive decision-making processes.
- Organized 70+ international and inter-ministerial meetings, fostering collaborations with
organizations like FAO, UNCCD, and UNFCCC. - Managed a national soil taxonomy database project with a team of 15, ensuring its successful
completion within scope and budget
Project Engineer
GAMA Inc. (Under Shell Energy Corporation)
06.2006 - 06.2010
- Planned and monitored field surveying activities, ensuring accuracy and adherence to project guidelines.
- Participated in meetings with main contractors and subcontractors, contributing to project documentation.
- Digitized and transferred 850+ paper-based maps to GIS platforms.
- Coordinated field measurement teams for efficient data collection and analysis.
- Developed comprehensive training programs to strengthen staff skillsets and support professional growth.
Education
PhD - Geoinformatics
Konya Technical University
Konya, Türkiye 09.2013 - 05.2020
MSc - Geoinformatics
Istanbul Technical University
Istanbul, Türkiye 03.2005 - 05.2008
BSc - Geoinformatics
Istanbul Technical University
Istanbul, Türkiye 09.1997 - 05.2003
Skills
ArcGIS (Desktop & Online)
QGIS
ERDAS
SQL
PostgreSQL
undefinedLanguages
English very good in word and writing
German (B1)
Turkish (Mother Tongue)
Timeline
ICT Analyst -(GIS Dashboard Analyst)
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services)
04.2025 - Current
GIS Coordinator
SP Bau GmbH
11.2023 - Current
Program Officer
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
11.2018 - 10.2023
PhD - Geoinformatics
Konya Technical University
09.2013 - 05.2020
Division Supervisor - Expert
Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture
07.2010 - 11.2018
Project Engineer
GAMA Inc. (Under Shell Energy Corporation)
06.2006 - 06.2010
MSc - Geoinformatics
Istanbul Technical University
03.2005 - 05.2008
BSc - Geoinformatics
Istanbul Technical University
09.1997 - 05.2003
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