Andrew Mkali is a Hydrogeologist and Data Analyst who joined Umvoto in January 2020 as an Intern Hydrogeologist. Originally from Lilongwe, Malawi, he came to Cape Town to undertake his BSc in Environmental and Water Science at the University of the Western Cape. For his MSc thesis he combined Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and Electrical Resistivity Surveys data to develop a hydrogeological conceptual model of fracture networks of the Hout Catchment (Limpopo, South Africa). Since joining Umvoto, Andrew has contributed to desktop hydrogeological studies and field monitoring data collection and analysis. This includes the use of GIS and remote sensing for suitability mapping, wetland reclassification, reviewing of reports, drilling supervision, water quality monitoring, and pump testing.
Andrew is part of Umvoto’s inhouse data management team that is designing, managing, and coordinating Umvoto’s current data repository to implement a robust database management structure using a variety of techniques and software’s (R, SQL, Python coding and HydroGeoAnalyst). Additionally, he has contributed to the development of data handling processes at Umvoto, including cloud-based data processing, field sheet design, and internal data workflows. He is currently, as of May 2022, enrolled in a data analytics and visualisations course at the Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.
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Data driven insights
Building on the progress of 2020, 2021 saw meaningful advances in the database initiative focusing on enhancing Umvoto’s dataflows (from field-to-client) and database management practices to increase efficiency in accessing and managing our clients ever growing data needs. This year’s priority has been the collation of various datasets, collected since 2018 to present, into unique relational databases and developing an integrated data management pipeline from the field to the…
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Hydrogeological Characterization using Remote Sensing
Umvoto’s Andrew Mkali (Junior Environmentalist) recently passed his MSc entitled “Developing a hydrogeological conceptual model for subterranean groundwater control areas using remote sensing techniques”. Andrew’s study at the University of the Western Cape’s Environmental and Water Science unit was under the supervision of Drs. Thokozani Kanyerere and Kevin Pietersen. In his study Andrew described the…
