Researcher, Nigeria
Opuada Uranta is a civil engineer and geomatics specialist whose work focuses on integrating advanced geospatial technologies into archaeological and heritage research across Nigeria. He studied Civil Engineering at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (2016). As a member of the team at Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), he specializes in GIS, remote sensing, topographic and archaeological surveying, LiDAR acquisition, and processing workflows for landscape interpretation.
Opuada has undertaken training with Wessex Archaeology in the United Kingdom and the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (DAI) in Germany, strengthening his technical capability in high-resolution mapping and digital heritage documentation. He has contributed to multiple archaeological and cultural heritage projects across Nigeria, applying techniques such as LiDAR scanning, total station survey, and GNSS workflows using Emlid Reach receivers. His data processing expertise spans ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, CAD environments, and specialized LiDAR analytical tools.
Dedicated to advancing geospatial practice in African archaeology and heritage management, Opuada is committed to supporting research that connects scientific approaches with the protection, interpretation, and sustainable management of heritage landscapes.
Digital mapping and LiDAR analysis are transforming how we understand Environmental landscapes, allowing us to uncover stories that were once invisible beneath vegetation, erosion, and time. For me, the value of digitisation lies not only in precision but in its ability to democratise knowledge—empowering researchers and institutions to document, analyse, and preserve our heritage with world-class tools. Collaboration, skill-sharing, and open access to digital workflows are essential for building a stronger future for heritage research across the continent.
Outside professional practice, Opuada is a football enthusiast, tech-savvy, and avid reader who loves exploring cultures through travel.