I am a GIS and Spatial Data Specialist with over 18 years of professional experience delivering geospatial solutions across the renewable energy, infrastructure, environmental, engineering, and digital mapping sectors. Throughout my career I have worked with clients and projects across Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, helping organisations make informed decisions through accurate spatial analysis, high-quality mapping, and reliable geospatial data.
Over the past decade I have specialised in renewable energy and infrastructure projects, supporting utility-scale solar, BESS, distributed generation, and data centre developments. My work includes land suitability modelling, site selection, environmental and regulatory constraint mapping, due diligence support, geospatial data management, and developing GIS workflows that improve the speed and quality of development decisions.
Prior to this, I spent seven years as a Project Lead at HERE Maps, leading mapping and navigation projects across the Middle East and Africa. I managed project delivery, resource planning, quality assurance, and the development and maintenance of national-scale road network databases used in commercial navigation products.
My experience covers the full GIS project lifecycle, from data acquisition and validation through spatial analysis, modelling, database management, map production, automation, quality assurance, and project delivery. I am equally comfortable working independently on technical tasks or leading multidisciplinary teams on complex projects.
Areas of Expertise
GIS analysis and spatial modelling
Renewable energy, infrastructure and data centre site selection
Land suitability modelling and constraint analysis
Cartography and professional map production
Spatial data capture, validation and quality assurance
Geodatabase design, management and maintenance
Spatial database development and administration
GIS automation and workflow optimisation
OpenStreetMap editing (JOSM & iD)
GPS and road network database development
Project management and technical leadership
Software & Technologies
ArcGIS Pro
ArcGIS Online
ArcGIS Enterprise
QGIS
PostGIS
PostgreSQL
Python
ArcPy
SQL
ModelBuilder
Google Earth Pro
JOSM
OpenStreetMap iD Editor
Prism
Anderson Optimization
Landgate
Paces
Rextag
I pride myself on producing accurate, well-documented work that clients can trust. Whether I'm building complex suitability models, analysing spatial datasets, automating GIS workflows, managing geodatabases, or delivering professional cartographic products, my focus is on delivering high-quality results on time and communicating clearly throughout every project.
I hold a BSc in Geography and Zoology from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, a BSc Honours in Geographic Information Systems, and a second BSc Honours in Environmental Management from the University of South Africa.
Based in South Africa, I work with clients worldwide and provide flexible overlap with US, UK, and European business hours.
QGIS
Digital Mapping
Geospatial Data
ArcGIS
Remote Sensing
Environmental Science
GIS
OpenStreetMap
Project Management
Mark C.
Fourways, South Africa
$45/hr
5.0
37 jobs
What I offer you is 18 years of experience in the mapping, lidar, photogrammetry, GIS and satellite imagery fields, combined with operational, IT and business development skills. I offer commitment and dedication to your project, as well as the desire for personal satisfaction of a job well done.
On a technical note, what you would be paying for includes these skills:
- Lidar
- Photogrammetry
- Cartography (mapping)
- Remote Sensing
- GIS
- Aerial imaging
- Applanix POSPac
- Trajectory Calculations
- Image Triangulation
- Orthophoto production
- DEM, DSM, DTM creation
- CAD design
- IT
- ArcGIS
- QGis
- Microstation
- Global Mapper
- TerraScan
- TerraPhoto
- TerraModeler
- TerraMatch
- Agisoft
- Pix4D
- Drones
- UAV
Tertiary qualifications to backup the experience and skill set includes a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Geoinformatics and a post-graduate diploma in Business Management.
Passionate about lidar, photogrammetry, drones, UAVs, GIS, mapping and IT solutions and want to use those skills to ensure you are always a very happy client. Always keen to discover new and innovative ways to deploy tools and provide solutions!
ArcGIS
Photogrammetry
Drone
GIS
Data Visualization
Digital Mapping
Judith S.
Cape Town, South Africa
$30/hr
5.0
2 jobs
Hi, thanks for swinging by my patch of Upwork. Grab a virtual cup of tea, and let's discuss how I can help your project thrive.
I am a researcher with expertise in sustainable agriculture and conservation ecology. My expertise spans biodiversity conservation, climate change, and sustainable practices, all underpinned by my MSc in Sustainable Agriculture. My research, including my Master's thesis on "The effects of climate change on aquaculture in the Western Cape", has honed my analytical and problem-solving skills. My curious nature drives me to explore innovative solutions, while my thorough approach ensures meticulous attention to detail. I am committed to delivering impactful results for your projects.
I can assist with:
🌱 Data Analysis & Interpretation
🌱 Report writing
🌱 Research
🌱 Environmental Education & Communication
🌱 Program assistance/administration
🌱 Writing and content creation
🌱 Social media
🌱 PowerPoint Presentations
QGIS
Photography
Presentations
Research Paper Writing
Data Analysis
Academic Research
Sustainability
Climate Science
Video Editing
PowerPoint Presentation
Afrikaans to English Translation
English to Afrikaans Translation
Deyi D.
Johannesburg, South Africa
$40/hr
4.7
12 jobs
Dear Sir/Madam
I have technical skills in GIS, CAD and Data Capturing. I am technically inclined, strategy driven, have management and budgeting skills. In my current position as a CAD/GIS Specialist I am responsible for data and digital mapping and which entail but not limited to the following deliverables:
Digitising survey data of topographical features such as Government Schools, terrain,
existing infrastructure for as-built purposes.
Designing digital maps with geographic data and other data sources.
Establishing procedures for Quality Assurance.
Creating "shapefiles" to merge topographical data with external data by layering
external data over a topographical map
Analyzing spatial data through the use of mapping software.
Discovering patterns and trends through spatial mapping of data.
Designing digital maps with geographic data and other data sources.
Producing maps showing the spatial distribution of various kinds of data, including
Powerline routes, Substations, Electrical plant and state assets.
Developing mapping applications and tools.
Converting physical maps (such as PDF, JPEG etc) into a digital form for computer
usage in a GIS Graphic User Interface.
Performing data munging and cleaning to convert data into its desired form.
Produce reports on geographic data utilizing data visualizations.
Managing a digital library of geographic maps in various file types such symbol library
and pre-difined cells for ease of use.
Developing in-house training manuals for internal mentees.
Mentoring employees who are identified to join the GIS office.
Responsible for daily operations of the GIS office.
Attached please find my CV in application for the above mentioned position. Based on my CV, and some personal information below, I am confident that I have the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies to be successful in this Position.
I have experience of interacting and liaising with various people across all levels, which requires a great deal of professionalism, responsibility & dedication.
I am a dynamic, conscientious and hard-working team member, who works productively in a pressurized environment.
In my previous jobs, delivering high levels of internal and external service is always a priority to me, and will always be a passion and part of my career. I have always achieved 4 plus for performance ratings every year and have recently been nominated as the Technician of the year, In the past 18 months I have been nominated 16 times for rewards and recognition under the values of my current company.
I trust that my application will be favourable, and look forward to an opportunity to work with you.
Yours truly,
Deyi Daniel
QGIS
Autodesk AutoCAD
MicroStation
3D Modeling
ArcGIS
Adobe Illustrator
Data Visualization
Microsoft Excel
Digital Mapping
Urban Planning
Database
Google Maps API
GIS
Article Writing
Land Surveying
Shandre V.
Rustenburg, South Africa
$30/hr
5.0
1 jobs
Environmental Compliance • EMS Systems • GIS Mapping • Impact Assessment • Auditing • Technical Reporting
I am an Environmental Manager, GIS Specialist, and Lead Auditor with five years of hands-on experience delivering environmental compliance, auditing, spatial analysis, and technical reporting across renewable energy, mining, water infrastructure, rehabilitation, and urban development projects. I bring a unique blend of regulatory expertise, scientific training, technical auditing skills, and high-level project coordination, allowing me to support clients with accurate, compliant, and decision-ready environmental solutions.
⭐ What Sets Me Apart
* Extensive Environmental Auditing Experience
I have acted as Lead Auditor and Environmental Control Officer for major clients such as Mainstream Renewable Power, ENEL Green Power, Johannesburg Water, SOLA, Sibanye-Stillwater, and Thungela Operations, conducting:
• ISO 14001:2015 Environmental
Management System audits
• Water Use License (WULA) audits
• Regulation 34 audits
• Environmental and legal compliance
audits
• Monthly & quarterly site compliance
monitoring
• Closure, rehabilitation, and
decommissioning audits
My work involves reviewing complex technical evidence, identifying non-compliances, preparing detailed audit reports, and guiding clients on corrective actions, skills directly aligned with high-level environmental consulting needs.
* Project Management Across Complex Infrastructure & Renewable Energy
I have planned, managed, and delivered full Basic Assessment and WULA processes for municipal water and sewer pipeline upgrades, including:
• Baseline assessments
• Impact identification and significance
analysis
• Mitigation planning
• Stakeholder engagement & public
participation
• Drafting of BARs, EMPrs, and regulatory
submissions
• Managing responses to authority
comments
• Environmental compliance monitoring
during construction
My project experience spans Johannesburg Water’s major pipeline upgrade programmes, wind farms, PV facilities, mine rehabilitation, and large-scale environmental management systems.
✔ Advanced GIS Mapping & Spatial Analysis
Proficient in QGIS, ArcGIS, GPS data integration, and spatial dataset management, I support clients with:
• Sensitivity mapping
• Environmental constraints analysis
• Site selection
• Rehabilitation mapping
• Desktop environmental assessments
• EMPr and audit visual mapping outputs
GIS is a core part of my work, improving decision-making and enhancing the clarity of environmental reporting.
✔ Strong Scientific & Academic Foundation
With two degrees earned cum laude, including an MSc in Sustainable Development (KU Leuven), I am trained in research methodology, data analysis, scientific reporting, and critical evaluation of academic and technical texts. My background includes:
• Environmental impact research
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Technical scientific writing
• Review of specialist studies and
environmental reports
This provides a strong analytical foundation for both environmental consulting AND high-level academic feedback.
💼 Key Services I Provide
• Environmental Legal & Compliance Audits
• ISO 14001:2015 Auditing & EMS
Implementation
• Environmental Impact Assessments &
EMPrs
• WULA assessments & licensing support
• Rehabilitation, decommissioning &
closure planning
• Monthly/quarterly compliance monitoring
(ECO role)
• Technical environmental report writing &
review
• GIS mapping, spatial analysis & data
management
• Environmental project coordination &
stakeholder engagement
🎓 Qualifications
• MSc Sustainable Development – Cum
Laude (KU Leuven)
• BSc(Hons) Environmental Science – Cum
Laude
• ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor –
Distinction
• Mine Rehabilitation & Closure –
Distinction
• Asbestos Abatement Regulation
(Awareness)
• Recipient of prestigious academic
scholarships & exchange programmes
✔ Why Clients Choose Me
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong understanding of environmental
law & regulatory processes
• Proven ability to manage complex multi-
stakeholder projects
• Excellent writing, reporting, and
communication skills
• Reliable, professional, deadline-driven
delivery
• Experience across both public and
private sectors
📩 Let’s Work Together
If you need a detail-oriented, experienced Environmental Manager, GIS Specialist, or Lead Auditor who can deliver compliant, accurate, and polished environmental work, I’m ready to support your project.
Translation
Proofreading
Teaching English
Environmental Science
Academic Writing
Tutoring
Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certification
Tell us what you need. Create your own job post or generate one with AI then filter talent matches.
Hire top talent fast
Consult, interview, and hire quickly, so you can meet the freelancers you're excited about.
Collaborate easily
Use Upwork to chat or video call, share files, and track project progress right from the app.
Payment simplified
Manage payments in one place with flexible billing options. Only pay for approved work, hourly or by milestone.
Don't just take our word for it
“Upwork provides an umbrella-level of security. I can see a talent’s work history and ratings. I can hold payments in escrow. I can communicate through Upwork Messages instead of working through my email address.”
KD
Kim Darling
Emerald Tiger
“Upwork is the best platform to hire skilled professionals when we're not looking for a full-time employee. All the companies in our portfolio use Upwork to find talent across a wide range of fields.”
DM
David Merry
Kinetic Investments
“Our very specific requirements can be a challenge—With Upwork, we’re able to access a bigger community to ensure the success of our projects.”
KK
Katja Krohn
Summa Linguae
How do I hire a QGIS Specialist in South Africa on Upwork?
You can hire a QGIS Specialist in South Africa on Upwork in four simple steps:
Create a job post tailored to your QGIS Specialist project scope. We'll walk you through the process step by step.
Browse top QGIS Specialist talent on Upwork and invite them to your project.
Once the proposals start flowing in, create a shortlist of top QGIS Specialist profiles and interview.
Hire the right QGIS Specialist for your project from Upwork, the world's largest work marketplace.
At Upwork, we believe talent staffing should be easy.
How much does it cost to hire a QGIS Specialist?
Rates charged by QGIS Specialists on Upwork can vary with a number of factors including experience, location, and market conditions. See hourly rates for in-demand skills on Upwork.
Why hire a QGIS Specialist in South Africa on Upwork?
As the world's work marketplace, we connect highly-skilled freelance QGIS Specialists and businesses and help them build trusted, long-term relationships so they can achieve more together. Let us help you build the dream QGIS Specialist team you need to succeed.
Can I hire a QGIS Specialist in South Africa within 24 hours on Upwork?
Depending on availability and the quality of your job post, it's entirely possible to sign up for Upwork and receive QGIS Specialist proposals within 24 hours of posting a job description.