Woolpert Chief Scientist Qassim Abdullah Named to NOAA’s Hydrographic Services Review Panel

Qassim Abdullah, a chief scientist and senior associate at Woolpert, has been added to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s review panel for hydrographic services.

Abdullah will advise on hydrographic research, development and operations as a member of the 15-man panel, the company said Friday.

The panel will also provide recommendations on the distribution and collection of data in line with various areas including nautical charting, geodetic measurements and shoreline surveying.

“The utility of bathymetric lidar to map waterways and building information modeling and Smart City concepts for port facilities make this the right time to introduce the concept of ‘Smart Port,’ which enables ships to navigate more safely and cargo to move more efficiently through precise 3D modeling and smart GIS databases,” said Abdullah.

Rear Adm. Shep Smith, acting deputy assistant administrator at NOAA’s National Ocean Service, has been assigned to serve as the panel’s federal official.