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About

The portrait of a person

I’m Kshitij Raj Sharma, a passionate spatial developer, AI engineer, and open-source enthusiast from Nepal. My journey into the world of open-source development began in 2016, when I created a Nepali OSMTracker Android application for local surveying. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in designing geospatial applications, leading AI-for-mapping initiatives, and fostering community-driven open-source projects.

What Drives Me?

Drivers

I’m drawn to the intersection of these three key topics: Open Source, Spatial Data, Research Development, and Analysis. Analyzing problems efficiently with research, figuring out new ideas, and implementing them is where I see myself fit. In addition to this, I enjoy exploring drones, field surveying, and mapping. I am a tech enthusiast who is fond of gadgets. Ultimately, my goal is to make a meaningful impact through my work, with a focus on helping those in need and giving back to the community.

“Be kind and work hard; it will get you to the situations you want to be in.”

Experience & Education

Professional Timeline

  • AI Engineer/Developer
    Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (Part time, Sept 2024 – Present)

  • Geospatial System Consultant Social Empowerment and Building Accessibility Centre Nepal ( SEBAC-Nepal) ( Part time, August 2024 - Sept 2024)

  • Product Owner (Map Data Access Services)
    Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (July 2023 – Oct 2024)

  • Backend Engineer
    Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (Oct 2021 – June 2023)

  • GIS Developer
    Sentinel Engineering Consultancy (July 2020 – Sept 2021)

  • Research Associate
    Center for Space Science & Geomatics Studies (Nov 2019 – June 2020)

  • Web GIS Developer (Intern)
    Naxa Pvt. Ltd (April 2019 – May 2019)

  • GIS Analyst (Contract)
    Modi Rural Municipality (Jan 2019 – March 2019)

  • OSM Mapper (Intern)
    Kathmandu Living Labs (Jan 2018 – April 2018)

Academic Background

  • Copernicus Masters in Digital Earth (Erasmus Scholarship)
    University of Salzburg, Austria & University of South Brittany, France (2024 – Ongoing)
    Focus: Geo Data Science & AI for Earth Observation

  • Bachelor in Geomatics Engineering
    Institute of Engineering, Pokhara, Nepal (2015 – 2019)
    Courses: Python, Machine Learning, GIS, Remote Sensing, DBMS, Cartography, Photogrammetry, Geodesy, Cadastre , Full List Here

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Work & Projects

I specialize in innovative geospatial solutions—from large-scale data pipelines to AI-assisted mapping tools.

fAIr – Free & Open AI-Assisted Mapping

  • AI platform supporting building detection via RAMP & YOLOv8
  • GitHub Repo | Explained Video | Live
  • Goal: Democratize machine learning for humanitarian mapping

VirtuGhan

  • Concept for on-the-fly tile computation of large observation data
  • Repo | Live

Raw-Data-API

OSM-Export-Tool

  • Facilitates OpenStreetMap and OvertureMap data export for HDX and other humanitarian needs
  • Streamlines the process of making data more accessible in crisis response situations
  • Repo | Live

Tasking Manager Extractor

  • Facilitates project data downloads in Tasking Manager by triggering extraction requests
  • Data downloader of OpenStreetMap Tasking Manager projects
  • Repo | Live

Overture2HDX

  • Generates extracts for HDX (Humanitarian Data Exchange) from Overture Maps
  • Available on PyPI
  • Repo | Docs

Cog2H3

  • Processes Cloud Optimized GeoTIFFs (COGs) and converts them to H3 hexagonal grids
  • Stores results in PostgreSQL, supports multi-band rasters, resampling, and various processing options
  • Available on PyPI
  • Repo | PyPI

OSMSG (OpenStreetMap Stats Generator)

  • On-the-fly command-line stats generator for OpenStreetMap user contributions
  • Available on PyPI
  • Repo | PyPI

Precision Farming (Mobile App)

  • Machine Learning + Remote Sensing for leaf health detection
  • Empowers local farmers with data-driven insights
  • Demo

Chaklabandi ( Land Consolidation )

  • Mobile GIS application for DGPS surveys and on-field data collection
  • Streamlines layout design and syncs field data seamlessly for helping farmers to farm in modern way
  • Test & Implementation | About

Location Based - AR App

  • Augmented Reality tool combining drone surveys with GeoAR
  • Mixed reality experience for campus exploration
  • Project further pitched as an idea for Exploring Mountains which was awarded as best concept in Innovation Bootcamp, Nepal

Modi Rural Municipality Mapbook

  • An open geospatial database of local services (agriculture, education, finance)
  • See Mapbook (PDF)

Other Highlights

Some Open-Source Projects

also contributor to

Publications

  1. Assessment of Agricultural Land Pooling using GNSS & GIS in Gandaki Province, Nepal
  2. Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Potential of Building Rooftops Using Photogrammetry and GIS

YouthMappers Blog Post

Blogs and Diaries

Talks , Conferences & Awards

  • FOSS4G, State of the Map (SOTM), OSGeo local chapters, YouthMappers events , Outreachy Internship Mentoring , OSM Hackfest Mentor
  • Presentations on AI4EO, OpenStreetMap data pipelines, Humanitarian mapping, and more
  • Frequent speaker at FOSS4G events (both online & in-person)
  • Sharing experiences on free and open-source mapping globally
  • Winner of Geoinformatics Summer School, Wuhan University China 2023 , Runner-Up winner at geoaihack 2025 , Best Concept award by Innovation Bootcamp 2019

You can find me at geospatial conferences, out of which FOSS4G is my fav.

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Community & Interests

I’m a proud initiator of OSGeo Nepal, helping unite local developers and mappers around open-source geospatial tech. Beyond coding and mapping, I’m an avid explorer of drone technology, a poetry enthusiast, and I love basketball, FIFA, hiking, and traveling. At home, I spend time with my cats and dogs, always recharging for my next open-source endeavor.

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Thank you for e-visiting me !