Ocean Mapping & Geospatial (OMG)

We aim to create an in-depth understanding of seafloor habitats, morphology and the dynamic processes influencing the seafloor. We develop novel tools and techniques to achieve this aim through collaborative effort between experts, industrial partners and technology makers. We have 3D mapping capabilities for spatial mapping of seafloor habitats and ecosystem, using ROVs, sonars, optical sensors and sampling. This strength enables us to undertake and becoming a key player in habitat mapping projects in Malaysia. We focus on building a scientifically feasible seafloor information database via our own surveys, data sharing with agencies and industrial partners across the nation.

Internationally, we are an active participant doing collaborative works using state-of-the-art facilities and projects alongside various world-renowned institution. Our goal is to adopt a fully multi-disciplinary and holistic approach by integrating seafloor and habitat mapping with geology, geophysics, biology, oceanography and robust up-to-date technology to tackle scientific questions significant to the national interest and community, while contributing input for global interest.

Our team mainly focuses on the following research:

  • Seafloor and habitat mapping
  • Automated seabed classification
  • Habitat distribution modelling
  • Three-dimensional mapping
  • Seafloor research and exploration
  • Supporting ocean governance and management

Group Objectives

  1. To create a national & regional standard for habitat mapping operating guidelines for large scale coral reef ecosystem.
  1. To be a one-stop centre for scientifically feasible geological and ecological seafloor data.

Members

Ts. Dr. Azizi bin Ali

Dr. Khaira binti Ismail

Gs. Dr. Muhammad Hafeez bin Jeofry

Dr. Fatin Izzati binti Minhat

Collaborators

Dr. Tim Le Bas (National Oceanography Centre, Southampton)

Dr. James Strong (National Oceanography Centre, Southampton)

Dr. Rozaimi bin Che Hasan (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)

Laksamana Pertama Dr. Najhan bin Md Said (Pusat Hidrografi Nasional)

Dr. Ahmad bin Ali (ISMAT)

Dr. Eric Attias (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa)

Prof. Pat Halpin (Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Duke University)

Chris Taylor (Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Kim Dongsun (Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology)