Maya Manikandan

Maya Manikandan is a seasoned Project Scientist at the National Center for Coastal Research, where she leverages her extensive expertise in remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to address pressing coastal challenges. With a decade of experience in geo-informatics, Maya has honed her skills in analyzing complex datasets and developing innovative solutions tailored to specific environmental issues. Her previous tenure at NRSC/ISRO involved significant contributions to estimating forest above-ground biomass, where she adeptly combined field data with satellite imagery to enhance ecological assessments.

At the National Center for Coastal Research, Maya has been instrumental in several key projects that underscore her commitment to coastal sustainability. One of her notable achievements includes the preparation of the Coastal Inundation Risk Atlas (CIRA) for the Tamil Nadu Coast, a critical tool for understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on coastal communities. Additionally, her research on the impact of coastal green and gray infrastructure on vulnerability has provided valuable insights into adaptive strategies for coastal management.

Maya's proficiency in advanced technologies such as Google Earth Engine (GEE) has enabled her to conduct comprehensive coastal bio-shield mapping over various timeframes, enhancing the understanding of natural defenses against erosion and flooding. Furthermore, her work on high-resolution Earth Observation (EO) data for coastal sand dune mapping exemplifies her ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with practical applications in marine spatial planning.

With a robust skill set that includes geocoding, SQL, and eCognition, Maya continues to push the boundaries of geospatial data analysis, making significant contributions to the field of coastal research and environmental conservation. Her passion for optimizing solutions based on problem statements ensures that her work not only addresses immediate challenges but also fosters long-term resilience for coastal ecosystems.