Ayanda Lawu
Pretoria
Summary
A skilled professional, registered as a Geomatics Technologist (GTgGISc 1086) with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC), with expertise in cartographic design and spatial data modelling, demonstrating proficiency in QGIS and ESRI ArcGIS suite, including ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro. Adept at database management and quality assurance, with a strong ability in spatial analysis and map design & data visualisation. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, Python scripting, and SQL programming, aiming to leverage these skills to drive innovative solutions in geospatial projects.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Technical Officer - Cartography
Council for Geoscience
Silverton, Pretoria
10.2020 - Current
- Designed and developed an interactive geoportal to enhance data access and collaboration among internal and external stakeholders.
- Produced high-quality geological and thematic maps to support research outputs and publication standards.
- Performed GIS data editing, spatial analysis, and quality assurance, ensuring data integrity for multi-project environments.
- Managed and maintained spatial databases in alignment with organisational standards and project requirements.
- Developed and implemented ISO-aligned documentation and standard operating procedures for data management and map production.
- Led ArcGIS Pro training workshops and provided technical guidance and support to research and project teams.
- Contributed to the integration and interpretation of spatial data to support scientific analysis and informed decision-making.
- Conducted quality control checks to verify accuracy of cartographic outputs and datasets.
Biodiversity data technician
South Africa National Biodiversity Institute-SANBI
Silverton, Pretoria
12.2018 - 09.2020
- Captured and analysed biodiversity data to support conservation initiatives.
- Maintained databases for tracking species and habitat information.
- Utilised georeferencing tools to identify the locality of archived natural specimens.
- Mapped data to detect potential errors and produced comprehensive maps for clients.
- Ensured quality assurance of natural specimen locality data.
- Collaborated with researchers to guarantee data accuracy and consistency.
- Produced quarterly progress reports on project outcomes.
GIS intern
Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
Mmabatho, North West
04.2016 - 04.2018
- Generated different maps for internal staff and external clients for visual interpretation and decision-making.
- Collected field data using GPS.
- Managed and updated the cadastral geodatabase.
- Attended to disputes concerning farm demarcation.
- Conducted detailed spatial analysis to support land use planning initiatives.
- Generated spatial reports of strategically located land for decision-making.
- Assisted in developing comprehensive GIS datasets for rural development projects.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure accurate mapping of land reform areas.
Education
Master of Science - GIS and Remote Sensing
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, Gauteng 01.2023 -
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - GIS and Remote Sensing
University of Fort Hare
Alice, Eastern Cape 01.2015 - 12.2015
Bachelor of Science - GIS, Remote Sensing, and Geology
University of Fort Hare
Alice, Eastern Cape 01.2010 - 12.2014
Skills
- Database management
- Quality assurance
- Cartographic design expertise
- QGIS and ESRI ArcGIS suite (ArcMap & ArcGIS Pro) proficiency
- Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency
- Spatial analysis ability
- Spatial data modelling
- Map design & data visualisation
- Python scripting & SQL programming
Languages
English
Fluent
IsiXhosa
Native
IsiZulu
Fluent
Certification
Certificates
- ArcGIS Pro Basic
- ArcGIS Pro Intermediate
- ArcGIS Pro Advance
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Master of Science - GIS and Remote Sensing
University of the Witwatersrand
01.2023 -
Technical Officer - Cartography
Council for Geoscience
10.2020 - Current
Biodiversity data technician
South Africa National Biodiversity Institute-SANBI
12.2018 - 09.2020
GIS intern
Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
04.2016 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - GIS and Remote Sensing
University of Fort Hare
01.2015 - 12.2015
Bachelor of Science - GIS, Remote Sensing, and Geology
University of Fort Hare
01.2010 - 12.2014