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[Type the document title] ABDULLA AL-RAWABDEH PhD candidate, M.Sc, B.Sc [email protected] (587) 897 – 8051
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[Type the document title]

ABDULLA AL-RAWABDEH

PhD candidate, M.Sc, B.Sc

[email protected]

(587) 897 – 8051

A B D U L L A A L - R A W A B D E H

P RO F FE S S I O N A L P O RTF O L I O

1. Resume

2. Publication Abstracts

3. Citation

4. References

Page 2

Abdulla Al-Rawabdeh amalrawa@ucalgary. ca

Research Interests:

Natural Hazard Monitoring

Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Geology;

Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Environmental Studies.

Water Resources and Environment.

Remote Sensing and GIS applications using UAV.

EDUCATION:

PhD Candidate in Digital Imaging Systems,

Geomatics Department, University of Calgary, Canada

completion 2016

Masters in Science, Water Resources and Environment,

Al-al Bayt University, Jordan. GPA: 89.5, Grade: Excellent

2004-2007

Bachelors in Science, Applied Geology and Environmental Science,

Al-al Bayt University, Jordan. GPA: 78.08, Grade: Very Good.

2000-2004

PROFFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Teaching Assistant

Department of Geomatics Engineering, University of Calgary

Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, ENGG 233: Computing For

Engineers.

Fall 2015, ENGG 200: Design & Communication.

Winter 2015, ENGO 431: Principles of Photogrammetry.

Fall 2014, ENGO 531: Advanced Photogrammetric and

Ranging Techniques.

2011 – at present

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Yarmouk University

Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing.

Mineralogy.

Hydroinforamtics

Introduction of Environmental Science.

Surveying

2010 - 2011

Department of Coastal Environment, The University of Jordan / AQABA

Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing.

Coastal Management.

Introduction of Environmental Science.

2009 - 2010

GIS Lab Technician Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Yarmouk University

2005-2009

Research Assistant Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Yarmouk University

2005-2009

Computer Administrator Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Yarmouk University

Technical and support assistant maintaining and administering computer

systems.

2005-2009

ADDITIONAL TRAINING:

Teaching Assistant Training Workshop,

SSE TA Training, University of Calgary, Alberta

Sept 2011

Ground Penetrating Radar,

Held at the TECTERA(Geomatics Lab) company by Sensors and Software,

Calgary, AB

Aug 2011

Teaching Assistant Preparedness Workshop,

University of Calgary, Alberta

May 2011

Operation of the Automatic Resistivity System ARES,

GF Instruments Brno, the Czech Republic

July 2009

Applied Groundwater Modeling,

UNESCO-IHE Delft, the Netherlands.

June - July 2008

Geographic Information System (GIS) Introduction in ArcGIS,

Queen Rania Center for Jordanian Studies and Community Services at Yarmouk

University, Jordan

2007

Wastewater Components. Volumes and Composition,

Earth and Environmental Sciences, Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan

June 2006

Guidelines for Wastewater Reuse,

Earth and Environmental Sciences, Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan

July 2006

Fundamentals of ERDAS Imagine Professional 9.0,

Info Graph. Amman, Jordan

July 2006

Geographic Information System (GIS) Introduction in Arcview 3.2,

Tiberias Cultural Center, Jordan

Aug 2005

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS:

Full Scholarship to Complete Ph.D. to Study Remote Sensing (Digital

Imaging System).Yarmouk University / Jordan.

Sept 2009 –

Present

Geomatics Department Travel Award, University of Calgary, (800 CAD).

The Schulich Student Activities Fund, University of Calgary, (715 CAD).

Geomatics Department Travel Award, University of Calgary, (800 CAD).

The Schulich Student Activities Fund, University of Calgary, (1000 CAD).

Winter 2013

Winter 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Page 4

Huangqi Sun Memorial Graduate Scholarship, University of Calgary,

Program Recommended Awards, (1800 CAD)

2013

GSC-Student Scholarship, University of Calgary, Program Recommended

Awards, Department of Geomatics Engineering, (2250 CAD)

2013

NUFFIC, to study (Applied Groundwater Modeling) at UNESCO-IHE

Delft, Netherlands.

June - July 2008

Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq- Jordan. Student Award of Non-Cullicular

Activities.

2003

SOFTWARE SKILLS:

Remote Sensing Software (ERDAS Imagine, ENVI, IDRISI, Photoscan, Pix4D, SfM).

ArcGIS (ESRI Arc/Info).

Geophysical surveying (Magnetic / Seismic / Gravity / Resistivity/Radar) Methods.

Groundwater modeling software (Modflow).

Environmental Modelling Software (Rockworks and Surfer).

MATLAB Programing Language.

SOIL AND WATER ANALYTICAL SKILLS:

Water chemical analysis (Spectrophotometer, Atomic Absorption AAS, and titration

analysis).

SEM. Scanning Electron Microscope.

MEMBERSHIPS:

Jordanian Geologists Association Member since 2004. (JGA).

Board Member at Jordanian Geologist Association (JGA) – Irbid Breach, from April

2008 at present

Society of Exploration Geophysicists Global Member.(SEG)

International Association of Hydrological Sciences.( IAHS)

American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. (ASPRS).

Canadian Geophysical Union Hydrology Section (CGU).

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Calgary Youth Science Fair, April 18th, 2015.

APEGA Calgary Science Olympics, February 21, 2015.

18th Annual Geomatics Exposition, University of Calgary, January 29th, 2015.

Co-founder of the Urban Research Network at the University of Calgary (TRUN), 2015.

1st Year special event. Setting up the Low-Coast UAV Quad-Copter to show one of the

Geomatics Tools for Mapping, 2014.

ASPRS 2014 Annual Conference. Geospatial Power in Our Pockets Conference. Louisville,

Kentucky, 23-28 March 2014.

1st Year special event. Setting up the Faro Focus Laser Scanner to show one of the Geomatics

Tools for Indoor Mapping, 2013.

ASPRS 2012 Imaging and Geospatial Technologies -Into the Future Conference. 19-23 March

2012. Sacramento, California.

Reviewer’s member in Journal of Earth Science and Engineering since 2010. The Journal

published monthly in hard copy (ISSN 2159-581X) by David Publishing Company located at

9460 Telstar Ave Suite 5, EL Monte, CA 91731, USA.

JOURNALS, CONFERENCE PAPERS, AND PROJECTS

Al-Rawabdeh, A., He, F., Moussa, A., Habib, A., & El-Sheimy, N., 2015. Using an Unmanned

Aerial Vehicle-Based Digital Imaging System for the Derivation of 3D Point Cloud for Landslide

Scarps Recognition. Remote Sensing. Submitted (accepted January 18, 2015).

Al-Taani, A., Batayneh, A., El-Radaideh, N., Ghrefat, H., Zumlot, T., Al-Rawabdeh, A., Al-

Momani, T., & Taani, A., 2015. Spatial Distribution and Pollution Assessment of Trace Metals in

Surface Sediments of Ziqlab Reservoir, Jordan. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment,

Volume, 187, Issue, 2, pp.1-14.

Al-Rawabdeh, A., Al-Ansari, N., Al-Taani, A., Al-Khateeb, F., & Knutsson, S., 2014. Modeling

the Risk of Groundwater Contamination Using Modified DRASTIC and GIS in Amman-Zerqa

Basin, Jordan. World Applied Sciences Journal, Volume, 15, Issue, 5, pp.264-280.

Al-Rawabdeh, A., Al-Ansari, N., Attya, H., & Knutsson, S., 2014. GIS Applications for Building

3D Campus, Utilities and Implementation Mapping Aspects for University Planning

Purposes. Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Volume, 8, Issue, 5, pp.19-28.

A Gharaibeh, A., J Zakzak, H., & Al-Rawabdeh, A., 2014. Assessing Site Selection of College

Student Housing: Commuting Efficiency across Time. Jordan Journal of Civil Engineering,

Volume, 8, Issue, 3, pp.282-302.

Al-Rawabdeh, A., Al-Ansari, N., Al-Taani, A., Knutson, S., 2013. A GIS-Based DRASTIC

Model for Assessing Aquifer Vulnerability in Amman-Zerqa Groundwater Basin, Jordan.

Scientific Research, Engineering. doi:10.4236/eng.2013. http://www.scirp.org/journal/eng.

Abu Rukah, Y., Rosenand, M., Al-Rawabdeh., A., 2012. Assessment of Metals Pollution in

Urban Road Dusts from Selected Highways of the Greater Toronto Area in Canada.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, ISSN: 1573-2959.

Al-Taani, A., Batayneh, A., El-Radaideh, N., Al-Momani., I and Al-Rawabdeh, A., 2012.

Monitoring of selenium concentrations in major springs of Yarmouk Basin, north Jordan. World

Applied Sciences Journal 18 (5): 704-714.

R. Jaradat, M. Awawdeh, Y. Fahjan, M.Qaryouti, O.Nuseir, and Al -Rawabdeh, A. 2008.

Deaggregation of probabilistic Ground Motion for Selected Jordanian Cities. Jordan Journal of

Civil Engineering vol 2. No.2172-196.

Al-Rawabdeh, A., Moussa, A., Habib, A., & El-Sheimy, N., 2015. Derivation of 3D Point Cloud

Using UAV-Based Digital Imaging System for Detecting and Identifying Landslide

Scars. ASPRS 2015 Annual Conference. Tampa, Florida, May 4-8, 2015.

He, F., A. Habib, and A. Al-Rawabdeh. 2015. “Planar Constraints For An Improved UAV-Image-

Based Dense Point Cloud Generation.” Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci.

XL-1/W4 (August): 269–74. doi:10.5194/isprsarchives-XL-1-W4-269-2015.

Page 6

Lari, Z., A. Al-Rawabdeh, F. He, A. Habib, and N. El-Sheimy. 2015. “Region-Based 3d Surface

Reconstruction Using Images Acquired By Low-Cost Unmanned Aerial Systems.” Int. Arch.

Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci. XL-1/W4 (August): 167–73.

doi:10.5194/isprsarchives-XL-1-W4-167-2015.

Al-Rawabdeh, A., Habib, A., 2015. Close Range Sensing Techniques for Natural Hazard

Detecting and Assessment. University of Innsbruck - Summer ISPRS program, Obergurgl,

Austria, July 5-11 2015.(Poster).

Al-Rawabdeh, A., Habib, A., & He, F., 2014. Multi-Sensory Data Integration for Extracting

Geotechnical Parameters for Landslides Hazard Assessment. ASPRS 2014 Annual Conference,

Louisville, Kentucky. March 23-28, 2014. (12pages).

Attya, H., Al-Rawabdeh, A., & Habib, A., 2014. Proposed Algorithm for Automatic Cleaning of

Terrestrial LiDAR Data. ASPRS 2014 Annual Conference. Louisville, Kentucky. March 23-28,

2014.

Al-Rawabdeh, A., Habib, A., & Attya, H., 2013. Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Discontinuity

Plane Characterization for Landslide Hazard Assessment. ASPRS 2013 Annual Conference.

Baltimore, Maryland. March 24-28, 2013. (10pages).

Al-Rawabdeh, A., Habib, A., Attya, H., & Lari, Z., 2013. Using Automatic Object Detection in

Rainwater Harvesting Assessment for a Small Size Urban Area. IAHS-IAPSO-IASPEI Joint

Assembly, Gothenburg, Sweden, July 22-26 2013.

Attya, H., Habib, A., Detchev, I., Al-Rawabdeh, A., 2012. Crowd Volume Estimation Using

Photogrammetric Techniques. ASPRS 2012 Annual Conference. Sacramento, California. March

19-23, 2012. (5pages).

R. Jaradat, M. Awawdeh, Y. Fahjan, A.Diabat, M.Qaryouti, O.Nuseir, and A. Al -Rawabdeh,

2008. Earthquake Risk Assessment of Greater Amman Municipality. Technical Report submitted

to the UNDP, Amman, 489pp.

Assessment of Metal Pollution In Urban Road Dusts From Selected Highways of The Greater

Toronto Area In Canada

Authors: Y Nazzal, Marc A Rosen, Abdulla M Al-Rawabdeh Publication date: 2013/2/1 Journal: Environmental monitoring and assessment Volume: 185 Issue: 2 Pages: 1847-1858 Publisher: Springer Netherlands

Abstract

Over the last several decades, there has been increased attention on the heavy metal contamination

associated with highways because of the associated health hazards and risks. Here, the results are

reported of an analysis of the content of metals in roadside dust samples of selected major highways in

the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada. The metals analysed are lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium

(Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), potassium (K),

magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe). In the samples collected, the recorded mean concentrations (in parts per

million) are as follows: Cd (0.51), Cu (162), Fe (40,052), Cr (197.9), K (9647.6), Mg (577.4), Ca

(102,349), Zn (200.3), Mn (1202.2), Pb (182.8) and Ni (58.8). The mean concentrations for the analysed

samples in the study area are almost all higher than the average natural background values for the

corresponding metals. The geo-accumulation index of these metals in the roadside dust under study

indicates that they are not contaminated with Cr, Mn and Ca; moderately contaminate with Cd and K;

strongly contaminated with Fe and Mg; strongly to extremely contaminate with Ni and Pb; and

extremely contaminated with Cu and Zn. The pollution load index (PLI) is used to relate pollution to

highway conditions, and the results show that PLI values are slightly low at different samples collected

from Highways 401 and 404 and high in many samples collected from Highway 400 and the Don Valley

Parkway. Highway 400 exhibits the highest PLI values.

Page 8

A GIS-Based Drastic Model for Assessing Aquifer Vulnerability in Amman-Zerqa Groundwater

Basin, Jordan

Authors: Abdulla M Al-Rawabdeh, Nadhir A Al-Ansari, Ahmed A Al-Taani, Sven Knutsson Publication date: 2013/5/23 Volume: 2013 Publisher: Scientific Research Publishing

Abstract

Amman-Zerqa Basin (AZB) is a major basin in Jordan. The concentration of economic, agricultural and

social activities within the basin makes it of prime importance to Jordan. Intensive agricultural practices

are widespread and located close to groundwater wells, which pose imminent threats to these resources.

Groundwater contamination is of particular concern as groundwater resources are the principal source of

water for irrigation, drinking and industrial activities. A DRASTIC model integrated with GIS tool has

been used to evaluate the groundwater vulnerability of AZB. The Drastic index map showed that only

1.2% of the basin’s total area of 3792 km2 lies in the no vulnerable zone and about 69% is classified as

having low pollution potential. The results also revealed that about 30% of the catchment area is

moderately susceptible to pollution potential and slightly 1% is potentially under high pollution risk.

These results suggest that almost one third of the AZB is at moderate risk of pollution potential. These

areas are mainly in the north-east and central parts of the basin where the physical factors (gentle slope

and high water table) would allow more contaminants to easily move into the shallow groundwater

aquifer. Areas with high vulnerability to pollution are largely located in the center of Amman old city.

Monitoring of Selenium Concentrations in Major Springs of Yarmouk Basin, North Jordan

Authors: Ahmed A Al-Taani, Awni Batayneh, Nazem El-Radaideh, Idrees Al-Momani, Abdullah Rawabdeh Publication date: 2012 Journal: World Applied Sciences Journal Volume: 18 Issue: 5 Pages: 704-714

Abstract

This is the first study to survey selenium levels in spring water of Yarmouk Basin north of Jordan.

Elevated selenium levels in spring waters have been observed indicating that selenium contamination is

widespread. In almost all of the spring water samples, selenium concentrations exceeded the maximum

allowable level based on the Jordan and World Health Organization for drinking water quality

guidelines of 10 µg/L. Evaluation of seasonal patterns in the concentrations of selenium showed higher

concentration in dry weather season. Preliminary assessment of the potential sources and factors

contributing to selenium contents of water has been reviewed. Adverse health risk assessment of

selenium exposure among residents consuming water from springs was estimated. The estimated

average daily dose and the noncarcinogenic hazard quotient values from selenium exposure were below

the threshold of concern for adverse health effects.

Page 10

Modeling the risk of groundwater contamination using modified DRASTIC and GIS in Amman-

Zerqa Basin, Jordan

Authors: Abdulla Al-Rawabdeh, Nadhir Al-Ansari, Ahmed Al-Taani, Fadi Al-Khateeb, Sven Knutsson Publication date: 2014/9/1 Journal: Open Engineering Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Pages: 264-280

Abstract

Amman-Zerqa Basin (AZB) is the second largest groundwater basin in Jordan with the highest abstraction rate,

where more than 28% of total abstractions in Jordan come from this basin. In view of the extensive reliance on

this basin, contamination of AZB groundwater became an alarming issue. This paper develops a Modified

DRASTIC model by combining the generic DRASTIC model with land use activities and lineament density for

the study area with a new model map that evaluates pollution potential of groundwater resources in AZB to

various types of pollution. It involves the comparison of modified DRASTIC model that integrates nitrate loading

along with other DRASTIC parameters. In addition, parameters to account for differences in land use and

lineaments density were added to the DRASTIC model to reflect their influences on groundwater pollution

potential. The DRASTIC model showed only 0.08% (3 km2) of the AZB is situated in the high vulnerability area

and about 30% of the basin is located in the moderately vulnerable zone (mainly in central basin). After

modifying the DRASTIC to account for lineament density, about 87% of the area was classified as having low

pollution potential and no vulnerability class accounts for about 5.01% of the AZB area. The moderately

susceptible zone covers 7.83% of the basin’s total area and the high vulnerability area constitutes 0.13%. The

vulnerability map based on land use revealed that about 71% of the study area has low pollution potential and no

vulnerability area accounts for about 0.55%, whereas moderate pollution potential zone covers an area of 28.35%

and the high vulnerability class constitutes 0.11% of AZB. The final DRASTIC model which combined all

DRASTIC models shows that slightly more than 89% of the study area falls under low pollution risk and about

6% is considered areas with no vulnerability. The moderate pollution risk potential covers an area of about 4% of

AZB and the high vulnerability class constitutes 0.21% of the basin. The results also showed that an area of about

1761 km2 of bare soils is of low vulnerability, whereas about 28 km2 is moderately vulnerable. For agriculture

and the urban sector, approximately 1472 km2 are located within the low vulnerability zone and about 144 km2

are moderately vulnerable, which together account for about 8% of the total agriculture and urban area. These

areas are contaminated with human activities, particularly from the agriculture. Management of land use must be

considered when changing human or agricultural activity patterns in the study area, to reduce groundwater

vulnerability in the basin. The results also showed that the wells with the highest nitrate levels (81–107 mg/l)

were located in high vulnerable areas and are attributed to leakage from old sewage water.

Spatial distribution and pollution assessment of trace metals in surface sediments of Ziqlab

Reservoir, Jordan

Authors: Ahmed A Al-Taani, Awni T Batayneh, Nazem El-Radaideh, Habes Ghrefat, Taisser Zumlot, Abdulla M Al-Rawabdeh, Talal Al-Momani, Aymen Taani Publication date: 2015/2/1 Journal: Environmental monitoring and assessment Volume: 187 Issue: 2 Pages: 1-14 Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Abstract

Surface sediment samples were collected from Ziqlab dam in northwestern Jordan to investigate the

spatial distribution of selected trace metals and assess their pollution levels. The results showed that the

concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn exceeded the environmental background values. Cd, Ni, and Cr

contents were higher than the threshold effect level (TEL) in 63, 83, and 60 % of the reservoir

sediments, respectively; whereas Pb, Zn, and Cu were less than the TEL limit. The concentrations of

trace metals in reservoir sediment varied spatially, but their variations showed similar trends. Elevated

levels of metals observed in the western part (adjacent to the dam wall) were coincided with higher

contents of clay-silt fraction and total organic matters. Multivariate analysis indicated that Pb, Co, and

Mn may be related to the lithologic component and/or the application of agrochemicals in the upstream

agricultural farms. However, Cd and Zn concentrations were probably elevated due to inputs from

agricultural sources, including fertilizers. Evaluation of contamination levels by the Sediment Quality

Guidelines of the US-EPA, revealed that sediments were non-polluted to moderately polluted with Pb,

Cu, Zn, and Cr, but non-polluted to moderately to heavily polluted with Ni and non-polluted with Mn.

The geoaccumulation index showed that Ziqlab sediments were unpolluted with Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Co,

and Mn, but unpolluted to moderately polluted with Cd. The high enrichment values for Cd and Pb (>2)

indicate their anthropogenic sources, whereas the remaining elements were of natural origins consistent

with their low enrichment levels.

Page 12

GIS Applications for Building 3D Campus, Utilities and Implementation Mapping Aspects for

University Planning Purposes

Authors: Abdulla Al-Rawabdeh, Nadhir Al-Ansari, Hussain Attya, Sven Knutsson Publication date: 2014/2/11 Journal: Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture Volume: 2 Pages: 3

Abstract

In city planning managing, the third dimension is becoming a necessity. Using 3D GIS modeling offers

a flexible interactive system while providing one of the best visual interpretation of data which supports

planning and decision processes for city planners. As a result, 3D GIS model expresses terrain features

in an intuitive way which enhances the management and analysis of a proposed project through 3D

visualization. This paper discusses the concept of 3D GIS modeling techniques using a simple procedure

to generate a university campus model (real 3D GIS model) which will show the effectiveness of this

approach. The 3D GIS model provides access to mapping data to support planning, design and data

management. Intelligent GIS models and GIS tools help community planning and apply regional and

discipline-specific standards. Integration of GIS spatial data with campus organization helps to improve

quality, productivity and asset management. The following study built 3D GIS map and all utility

information for Al al-Bayt University campus as an example. The primary objective is to improve data

management (e.g., maps, plans, usage of facilities and services) and to develop methods using 3D spatial

analysis for specific applications at the university.

Assessing Site Selection of College Student Housing: Commuting Efficiency across Time

Authors: A Gharaibeh, A., J Zakzak, H, & Al-Rawabdeh Publication date: 2014 Journal: Jordan Journal of Civil Engineering Volume: 8 Issue: 3

Abstract

Universities around the world are promoting walking for their students because it provides many health

and environmental benefits at the personal as well as the community level. This paper aims to help

universities, city planners and housing investors in the process of efficient site selection for future

student housing projects, by analyzing off-campus students’ commuting habits and travel time

preferences to and from the university campuses. An online survey is operated to collect responses of

students (n= 527) from two Jordanian universities located within the city of Irbid (N-Jordan). Results

indicate that the mean value for students’ longest preferred one-way walking duration is 17.04± 8.25

minutes for the whole sample. A statistically significant negative correlation is found between students’

longest preferred one-way walking duration and age. The percentage of students who would accept this

duration was represented in a formula in order to calculate the accumulated walking potential of varied

sites around university campuses. The paper presented a local scenario using GIS mapping where this

process was implemented to evaluate prospect vacant sites' walking potential around Yarmouk

University, Irbid, Jordan.

Page 14

Deaggregation of Probabilistic Ground Motions for Selected Jordanian Cities Authors: Rasheed A Jaradat, Osama K Nusier, Muheeb M Awawdeh, Mahmoud Y Al-Qaryouti, Yasin M Fahjan Publication date: 2008 Journal: Jordan Journal of Civil Engineering Volume: 2 Issue: 2

Abstract

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) approach was adopted to investigate seismic hazard

distribution across Jordan. Potential sources of seismic activities in the region were identified, and their

earthquake recurrence relationships were developed from instrumental and historical data. Maps of peak

ground acceleration and spectral accelerations (T=0.2 and T=1.0 sec.) of 2% and 10% probability of

exceedance in 50 years were developed. This study deaggregated the PSHA results of 2% and 10%

probability of exceedance in 50 years results of twelve Jordanian cities to help understand the relative

control of these sources in terms of distances and magnitudes. Results indicated that seismic hazard

across these cities is mainly controlled by area sources located along the Dead Sea Transform (DST)

fault system. Cities located at short distances from the DST tend to show close deaggregation behavior.

Some discrepancies may exist due to the proximity or remoteness of these cities relative to the DST

seismic sources and local seismicity. The modal or most probable distance distribution indicated that the

distance to the earthquake which contributes most to the hazard at each city is mainly controlled by

shaking along faults associated with near seismic area sources. The influence of adjacent seismic

sources to the seismic hazard of each city is more evident for the long period spectral acceleration.

Distant sources, such as the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus, Suez and the southern region of the Gulf of

Aqaba are relatively low, but can not be neglected due to the intrinsic uncertainties and incomplete

seismic data.

Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Digital Imaging System to Derive A 3D Point Cloud for

Landslide Scarp Recognition

Authors: Abdulla Al-Rawabdeh, Fanging He, Adel Mousaa, Ayman Habib, and Naser El-Sheimy Publication date: 2016 Journal: Remote sensing, earth observation for geo-hazard Volume: 7 Issue: 2

Abstract

Landslides often cause economic losses, property damage, and loss of lives. Monitoring landslides using

high spatial and temporal resolution imagery and the ability to quickly identify landslide regions are the

basis for emergency disaster management. This study presents a comprehensive system that uses

unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Semi-Global dense Matching (SGM) techniques to identify and

extract landslide scarp data. The selected study area is located along a major highway in a mountainous

region in Jordan, and contains creeping landslides induced by heavy rainfall. Field observations across

the slope body and a deformation analysis along the highway and existing gabions indicate that the slope

is active and that scarp features across the slope will continue to open and develop new tension crack

features, leading to the downward movement of rocks. The identification of landslide scarps in this

study was performed via a dense 3D point cloud of topographic information generated from high-

resolution images captured using a low-cost UAV and a target-based camera calibration procedure for a

low-cost large-field-of-view camera. An automated approach was used to accurately detect and extract

the landslide head scarps based on geomorphological factors: the ratio of normalized Eigenvalues (i.e.,

λ1/λ2 ≥ λ3) derived using principal component analysis, topographic surface roughness index values,

and local-neighborhood slope measurements from the 3D image-based point cloud. Validation of the

results was performed using root mean square error analysis and a confusion (error) matrix between

manually digitized landslide scarps and the automated approaches. The experimental results using the

fully automated 3D point-based analysis algorithms show that these approaches can effectively

distinguish landslide scarps. The proposed algorithms can accurately identify and extract landslide

scarps with centimeter-scale accuracy. In addition, the combination of UAV-based imagery, 3D scene

reconstruction, and landslide scarp recognition/extraction algorithms can provide flexible and effective

tool for monitoring landslide scarps and is acceptable for landslide mapping purposes.

Page 16

Using Automatic Object Detection in Rainwater Harvesting Assessment for a Small Size Urban

Area Authors: Zahra Lari Al-Rawabdeh, A., Habib, A., Attya, H. Publication date: 2013/6 Conference: IAHS-IAPSO-IASPEI Joint Assembly, Gothenburg Sweden

Abstract

Water resources are essential for economic development, agricultural productivity, industrial growth and

above all human well-being in every community. The availability of a clean, safe and secure water

resource has always been a major concern for human populations. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is

defined as the methods for collecting and storing rainwater in reservoirs such tanks, ponds or dams.

RWH also reduces urban flooding and prevents runoff from going into sewer systems. Therefore, these

techniques reduce loads of treatment plants. RWH from rooftops, roads, and parking can increase the

water supply for various applications and help to compensate the chronic water shortage in many parts

of the world. The applicability of RWH as a possible and inexpensive alternative to more traditional

water resources has been discussed in many research works, in the past few years. Nowadays, LiDAR

systems have been recognized as an efficient technology for the generation of high resolution digital

surface models of any study area. This research evaluates the potential of using rainwater for potable

and non-potable water savings in a specific case study and provides recommendations for increasing the

efficient water usage by minimizing water waste and deflates water bills. This paper utilizes a new

processing approach to classify the LiDAR data into which belong to ground and non-ground surfaces.

The non-ground points are then categorized into planer surfaces such as building rooftops to exclude the

non-planer objects such as trees using a parameter-domain segmentation approach. The ground points

have been classified into planar surfaces mostly represent roads and parking, and non-planar surfaces

represent the bare earth. It is assumed that building rooftops, roads, and parking lots are the main

rainwater reservoirs in urban areas. Therefore, the area of these objects’ surfaces are calculated using the

derived planes’ parameters from the segmentation process of the LiDAR data.

Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Discontinuity Plane Characterization for Landslide Hazard

Assessment Authors: H Al-Rawabdeh, A., Habib, A., Attya Publication date: 2013/3/24 Conference: ASPRS 2013 Annual Conference. Baltimore, Maryland

Abstract

In many parts of the world, especially in mountainous regions, landslides are common, and they often

have hazardous consequences for almost all of the construction activities and human lives. Landslides

can be rapid or slow, and can occur in a wide variety of geologic environments. The movement of earth

material along slopes can take the form of rock falls, earth flows, mud flows, and subsidence. Some of

these movements are related to natural processes. In this paper, the potential use of terrestrial laser

scanning for landslide monitoring and geological parameter extraction is investigated. Also, we

investigate the possible use of terrestrial laser scanning to derive quantitative measurements associated

with discontinuity planes, which are crucial factors leading to a landslide. We provide a brief overview

of landslides, their impact, and current measurement and prediction techniques. The majority of the

work focuses on the use of terrestrial laser scanning data for deriving the strike and dip measurements of

the discontinuity planes using different data processing techniques. The validity of the derived quantities

is validated using field measurements.

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Crowd Volume Estimation Using Photogrammetric Techniques Authors: 14. Attya, H., Habib, A., Detchev, I., Al-Rawabdeh Publication date: 2012/3/23 Conference: ASPRS 2012 Annual Conference. Sacramento, California.

Abstract

Incidents caused by human crowds could occur in various venues and under different circumstances, the

most common being sport events, festivals, and religious events. Starting as early as the nineteenth

century, research efforts have been geared towards crowd behaviour monitoring strategies especially in

the fields of emergency and safety management. Attempts have been made also as recent as the mid and

late nineties of the last century to use computer graphics in crowd modeling and simulation. Although

crowd simulation is widely applied in several fields, research related to the derivation of quantitative

crowd information is quite limited and is mainly focused on crowd volume using image processing and

computer vision techniques. There were some attempts in the last two decades of the twentieth century

to employ real time close-range photogrammetry in pedestrian detection and counting. However, these

methods are hardly being used in high-density crowd monitoring because of the extreme difficulty in

individual detection and tracking under these conditions. This paper provides a conceptual framework

for the utilization of close-range photogrammetry to estimate crowd volume using a low-cost digital

camera. The framework starts by developing a three dimensional model of the site in question prior to its

observation in the presence of a crowd. This model will be used later to geo-reference the collected

images from a dynamic camera system. The 3D model together with the geo-referencing parameters of

the collected imagery will be finally used to derive crowd volume parameters. Preliminary results of the

developed system will be illustrated together with the plans for the implementation of the proposed

framework.

Planar Constraints for an Improved UAV-image-based Dense Point Cloud Generation

Authors: F. He, A. Habib, A. Al-Rawabdeh Publication date: 2015/8 Conference: ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences Volume: XL-1/W4, 2015 Pages: pp.269-274

The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences,

Volume XL-1/W4, 2015 International Conference on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Geomatics, 30 Aug–02

Sep 2015, Toronto, Canada.

Abstract

In this paper, we proposed a new refinement procedure for the semi-global dense image matching. In

order to remove outliers and improve the disparity image derived from the semi-global algorithm, both

the local smoothness constraint and point cloud segments are utilized. Compared with current

refinement technique, which usually assumes the correspondences between planar surfaces and 2D

image segments, our proposed approach can effectively deal with object with both planar and curved

surfaces. Meanwhile, since 3D point clouds contain more precise geometric information regarding to the

reconstructed objects, the planar surfaces identified in our approach can be more accurate. In order to

illustrate the feasibility of our approach, several experimental tests are conducted on both Middlebury

test and real UAV-image datasets. The results demonstrate that our approach has a good performance on

improving the quality of the derived dense image-based point cloud.

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Region-Based 3d Surface Reconstruction Using Images Acquired By Low-Cost Unmanned Aerial

Systems Authors: Z Lari, A Al-Rawabdeh, F He, A Habib, N El-Sheimy Publication date: 2015/8 Journal: ISPRS-International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences Volume: 1 Pages: 167-173

The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences,

Volume XL-1/W4, 2015 International Conference on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Geomatics, 30 Aug–02

Sep 2015, Toronto, Canada.

Abstract

Accurate 3D surface reconstruction of our environment has become essential for an unlimited number of

emerging applications. In the past few years, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are evolving as low-cost

and flexible platforms for geospatial data collection that could meet the needs of aforementioned

application and overcome limitations of traditional airborne and terrestrial mobile mapping systems.

Due to their payload restrictions, these systems usually include consumer-grade imaging and positioning

sensor which will negatively impact the quality of the collected geospatial data and reconstructed

surfaces. Therefore, new surface reconstruction surfaces are needed to mitigate the impact of using low-

cost sensors on the final products. To date, different approaches have been proposed to for 3D surface

construction using overlapping images collected by imaging sensor mounted on moving platforms. In

these approaches, 3D surfaces are mainly reconstructed based on dense matching techniques. However,

generated 3D point clouds might not accurately represent the scanned surfaces due to point density

variations and edge preservation problems. In order to resolve these problems, a new region-based 3D

surface reconstruction technique is introduced in this paper. This approach aims to generate a 3D photo-

realistic model of individually scanned surfaces within the captured images. This approach is initiated

by a Semi-Global dense Matching procedure is carried out to generate a 3D point cloud from the

scanned area within the collected images. The generated point cloud is then segmented to extract

individual planar surfaces. Finally, a novel region-based texturing technique is implemented for

photorealistic reconstruction of the extracted planar surfaces. Experimental results using images

collected by a camera mounted on a low-cost UAS demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach

for photorealistic 3D surface reconstruction.

Proposed Algorithm for Automatic Cleaning of Terrestrial LiDAR Data Authors: A. Habib & A. Al-Rawabdeh. H. Attya Publication date: 2014/3/23 Conference: ASPRS 2014 Annual Conference. Louisville, Kentucky

Abstract

Terrestrial laser scanners have become one of the popular surveying equipment nowadays because of

their strong capabilities to collect huge amount of accurate data very quickly. Decreasing cost is one of

the other factors that help increasing the popularity of terrestrial laser scanners as surveying equipment.

Their use is spanning a wide spectrum of applications ranging from precise deformation measurements

to buildings three-dimensional modeling and heritage documentation. Usually urban LiDAR scenes

include plenty of unwanted features that occlude the objects of interest such as trees, parked cars,

pedestrian, banners to name a few. However dealing with laser scanning data (LiDAR) is not as trivial

as dealing with total stations data because of the vast number of points measured by laser scanners and

the irregularity of those points and the fact that urban LiDAR scenes include plenty of unwanted features

that occlude the objects of interest such as trees, parked cars, pedestrian, banners to name a few. These

three properties of LiDAR data cause dramatic increase of the computation cost which amplified by the

increase in the complexity of the scene. Knowing that the unwanted occluding features represent

considerable part of the collected data means that removing them could save considerable amount of the

computation cost as well as enhancing the reliability of the data processing. This task is usually carried

out manually by cropping the occluding objects using visualization software. However, this manual

approach increases the processing time of projects and labour cost. This paper suggests an algorithm to

remove the occluding objects automatically as a pre-processing step before segmenting the LiDAR data

and extracting the required information. The algorithm starts by assigning identification number to each

point in order to keep the sequence of the points. Then ground/non-ground filtering, using histogram

values of the Z-coordinate, is implemented to remove the ground. After removing the ground, the range

at each point is calculated and compared for successive points. The algorithm is based on the assumption

that the range difference between successive points is very small. Therefore when a sudden large

difference is detected, a possible occluding object could be exist. Deciding upon whether the detected

object is an occluding object or part of the object of interest is based on certain thresholds which could

be determined by prior information about the building complexity. Experimental results show that most

of the occluding objects is removed which led to considerable decrease in the computation time for

successive processing steps. The proposed algorithm could save plenty of time and labour cost for large

projects when huge amount of data is collected.

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Multi-Sensory Data Integration for Extracting Geotechnical Parameters for Landslides Hazard

Assessment Authors: Abdulla Al-Rawabdeh, Ayman Habib, Fangning He Publication date: 2014

Abstract

Geotechnical engineering is a relatively new discipline that has developed rapidly over the past 30 years.

It deals with a wide spectrum of natural geological materials ranging from low strength soils to high

strength rocks. Earth movements are common in many parts of the world and, as a result, present serious

safety and mortality risk to humans in addition to affecting construction activities. Earth movement can

be classified into different categories with landslides as being one of those categories. In order to assess

the stability of landslides, different geo-technical parameters are required such as the strike and dip of

the discontinuity planes in the potential area. Areas affected by landslides are often inaccessible which

makes manual compass and inclinometer measurements challenging because of the danger involved in

this operation. Preventing large natural landslides is difficult; however some mitigation is possible and

can help to minimize the hazards. Nowadays, 3D modeling of objects can be achieved through either

passive or active remote sensing systems. Active sensors, such as Terrestrial Laser Scanning systems

(TLS) have been used extensively for quick acquisition of highly accurate three-dimensional point cloud

data with high resolution. However, the TLS in some cases has limitations during the data collection due

to occlusions, orientation bias and truncation. This research addresses those issues by investigating the

possibility of augmenting TLS in the occluded regions through close-range photogrammetry to generate

high resolution and dense point cloud using the Semi-Global Matching (SGM) algorithm. By

augmenting the two data acquisition methods and registering to a common coordinate system to provide

a complete point cloud for the area of interest, any limitations and exposed gaps in the data are filled.

Planar segmentation is then carried out to extract the required geotechnical parameters automatically.

Four sets of geotechnical parameters have been compared in this research: 1) a set of manual

measurements, 2) a set extracted from the TLS data only, 3) a set extracted from the SGM algorithm

only, 4) and finally a set extracted from the fused TLS and SGM data. The results showed that the data

fusion method provided more accurate results when compared to the results coming from the TLS data

and those coming from SGM only. This reveals that the impact of the occluded regions on the

calculations of the geotechnical parameters must be considered to achieve the required quality of the

estimation process. The proposed method of this research provided high quality measurements for the

geotechnical parameters required to assess the landslide hazard, ensured safety, and saved cost and time.

A Robust Registration Algorithm for Time Series UAV-Image-Based Point Clouds for Change

Detection

Authors: Abdulla Al-Rawabdeh, Hussein Al-Gurrani, Kaleel Al-Durgham, Ivan Detchev, Naser El-Sheimy, and Ayman Habib Publication date: June 2016 Conference: ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences Volume: ICWG I/Vb, 2016

ABSTRACT:

Landslides are among the major threats to urban landscape and manmade infrastructure. They often

cause economic losses, property damage, and loss of lives. Temporal monitoring data of landslides from

different epochs empowers the evaluation of landslide progression. Alignment of overlapping surfaces

from two or more epochs is crucial for the analysis of landslide dynamics. The traditional methods for

point-cloud-based landslide monitoring rely on using a variation of the Iterative Closest Point (ICP)

registration procedure to align any reconstructed surfaces from different epochs to a common reference

frame. However, sometimes the ICP-based registration can fail or may not provide sufficient accuracy.

For example, point clouds from different epochs might fit to local minima due to lack of geometrical

constraints. Also, manual interaction is required to exclude any non-stable areas from the registration

process. In this paper, a robust image-based registration method is introduced for the simultaneous

evaluation of all registration parameters. This includes the Interior Orientation Parameters (IOPs) of the

camera and the Exterior Orientation Parameters (EOPs) of the involved images from all available

observation epochs via a bundle block adjustment with self-calibration. Next, a semi-global dense

matching technique is implemented to generate dense 3D point clouds for each epoch using the images

captured in a particular epoch separately. The normal distances between any two consecutive point

clouds can then be readily computed, because the point clouds are already effectively co-registered. A

low-cost DJI Phantom II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was customised and used in this research for

temporal data collection over an active soil creep area in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. The

customisation included adding a GPS logger and an off-the-shelf Large-Field-Of-View (LFOV) digital

camera which facilitated capturing high-resolution geo-tagged images in two epochs over the period of

one year (i.e., May 2014 and May 2015). Note that due to the course accuracy of the on-board GPS

receiver (e.g., +/- 5-10 m) the geo-tagged positions of the images were only used as initial values in the

bundle block adjustment. Normal distances, signifying detected changes, varying from 20 cm to 4 m

were identified between the two epochs. The accuracy of the co-registered surfaces was estimated by

comparing non-active patches within the monitored area of interest. Since these non-active sub-areas are

stationary, the computed normal distances should theoretically be close to zero. The quality control of

Page 24

the registration results showed that the average normal distance was 3 cm, which is within the noise

level of the reconstructed surfaces. Further validation of the alignment of the 3D reconstruction surfaces

was carried out through a check point analysis using signalized targets, which were placed in the

monitored area. The root mean squared error (RMSE) was 4.6 cm and 5.7 cm in the horizontal and

vertical directions, respectively.

Earthquake Risk Assessment of Greater Amman Municipality Authors: R. Jaradat, M. Awawdeh, Y. Fahjan, A.Diabat, M Publication date: 2008 Pages: 489 Publisher: Technical Report submitted to the UNDP, Amman, under Atlas no. 51485.

This final report is written in accordance with Atlas no. 51485 – Support to Building National Capacities for Earthquake Risk Reduction at Greater Amman Municipality in Jordan and the agreement signed between the United Nations Development Programme and Yarmouk University represented by Queen Rania Center for Jordanian Studies and Community Services in order to perform consulting services in respect of “The Earthquake Risk Assessment of Greater Amman Municipality".

Abstract

The main objective of the project is to support the Disaster Risk Management Master Plan (DRMMP)

Framework of the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) with a comprehensive seismic risk assessment

with which will build a competent DRM practice and will improve the City’s resilience to earthquakes

and other hazards and protects its physical and socio-economic assets and investments. The project was

funded by the United Nations Development Programme-Amman (UNDP) for the General Directorate

for Civil Defense (GDCD). This study included the undertaking of both a probabilistic risk analysis as

well as deterministic risk analyses considering three separate plausible earthquake scenarios1. This

study is the first of its kind for the Greater Amman area. It provides a wealth of information of hazards,

vulnerability and risk that are extremely pertinent to the management of risk and the reduction of

physical vulnerability to GAM and the protection of its physical and human assets. Three different

earthquake scenarios were identified and used for seismic risk assessment in terms of physical building

damage, fatalitiesm and subsequent monetary losses.

Page 26

Quick look analysis of hazard and risk assessment associated with high density urban

communities: A Case Study from El-Hussein Refugee Camp, Amman-Jordan

Authors: Rasheed Jaradat, Muheeb Awawdeh, Abdulla Al-Rawabdeh Publication date: June 2009 Report Submitted to Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation-SDC Amman-Jordan This report is written in accordance with the agreement signed between the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Innovative Studies and Research (ISAR) in order to perform consulting services in respect of “Disaster Risk Reduction Programme”. The agreement signed by 17 March 2009 has been concluded based on the ISAR proposal for SDC.

Abstract

This report presents the results of a study implemented according to the project “Quick look analysis of

hazard and risk assessment associated with high density urban communities: a case study from El-

Hussein Refugee Camp, Amman-Jordan”. The Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA) in Amman is

the beneficiary of this project as it oversees the Palestinian camps in Jordan. This report presents the

results of a study implemented according to the project “Quick look analysis of hazard and risk

assessment associated with high density urban communities: a case study from El-Hussein Refugee

Camp, Amman-Jordan”. The Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA) in Amman is the beneficiary of

this project as it oversees the Palestinian camps in Jordan.

Characterizing Oil Shale Deposits at Attarat Um Ghudran, Central Jordan, Using Electrical

Resistivity Tomography (ERT)

Authors: Rasheed Jaradat, Abdulla Al-Rawabdeh Publication date: June 2011

Abstract

This study comes in support of current exploration activities of the Jordan Oil Shale Energy Co. at the

Attarat Umm Ghudran concession area. It aims at characterizing Oil Shale deposits between

drilled/planned boreholes, in an attempt to investigate possible continuities, and truncations of Oil Shale

and the overburden masses, using Electrical Resistivity Tomography method.

Accordingly, the basic objective of the present study is to characterize Oil Shale deposits within a

selected area of interest at the Attarat Umm Ghudran concession region using Electrical Resistivity

Tomography (ERT). It is aimed that, using appropriate electrode array, the ERT method, will provide a

clear picture about the characteristics of oil shale deposits in terms of continuity, possible truncations,

existing fault structures, and overlaying overburden material.

Page 28

CITATIONS:

https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=JtfgfMYAAAAJ&hl=en

REFERENCES:

Prof Dr. Ayman Habib Professor at Civil Engineering Department, Purdue University, USA.

Mobile Number: + (765) 496-0173

E-mail Address: [email protected]

Prof Dr. Naser El-Sheimy Professor at Geomatics Engineering, Sweden, University of Calgary, Canada, AB.

Mobile Number: + (403) 220-7587

E-mail Address: [email protected]

Prof Dr. Nadhir Al Ansari Professor at Lulea Technical University, Sweden, Eglis Grand 3 3:5, Boden 96231, Sweden.

Mobile Number: +46725390767

E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected]

Additional references available upon request


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