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Brandon Heung is an Assistant Professor in Geospatial Informatics, where his primary research interests are in the field of digital soil mapping (DSM) – the intersection of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis and soil science.

In 2017, he received his Ph.D. from the Department of Geography at Simon Fraser University, where his dissertation (“Developing a Framework for Regional-Scale Digital Soil Mapping in British Columbia using Machine-Learning Techniques”) proposed a suite of machine-learning techniques to produce DSMs for Southern British Columbia. His research interests are focussed around these themes: (1) the use of DSM techniques for mapping soils at local-, regional- and national-scales; (2) the development of digital soil assessment techniques to support land management decisions and policy and (3) the development of spatiotemporal approaches for modelling soil processes across a landscape.

Current collaborators include the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations; and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to produce provincial-scale DSMs. In addition, he is pursuing ongoing collaborations with the University of Saskatchewan to develop a suite of DSM techniques that are suitable for precision agriculture purposes. With the Canadian Forest Service, Brandon is also involved with developing DSM approaches for enhanced forest resource inventory in Ontario. Currently, he is a member of the Canadian Digital Soil Mapping Working Group (a network of digital soil mappers from academic, provincial and federal government agencies) and the Scientific & Technical Subcommittee where they are tasked with overseeing the development and distribution of national-scale DSM products for Canada.

Brandon is excited for the opportunity to bring his DSM skills to Atlantic Canada; is thrilled to be a member of the Dalhousie community and is looking forward to supporting his new colleagues by providing GIS solutions to their geospatial problems.

Welcome Brandon!