I’m a systems-focused GIS Developer with 4+ years of experience in software automation, database design, and workflow optimisation in safety-critical environments. I’m proficient in Python, Java, SQL, and AWS, and I’ve built scalable tools and services that tie together GIS data, automation, and reporting for large infrastructure projects. I’m currently pursuing a second MSc in Computer Science to deepen my understanding of algorithms, databases, and machine learning. I thrive on cross-team collaboration, clear documentation, and training, and I’m continually expanding my skill set through hands-on development and leadership opportunities.

Lei Ding

I’m a systems-focused GIS Developer with 4+ years of experience in software automation, database design, and workflow optimisation in safety-critical environments. I’m proficient in Python, Java, SQL, and AWS, and I’ve built scalable tools and services that tie together GIS data, automation, and reporting for large infrastructure projects. I’m currently pursuing a second MSc in Computer Science to deepen my understanding of algorithms, databases, and machine learning. I thrive on cross-team collaboration, clear documentation, and training, and I’m continually expanding my skill set through hands-on development and leadership opportunities.

Available to hire

I’m a systems-focused GIS Developer with 4+ years of experience in software automation, database design, and workflow optimisation in safety-critical environments. I’m proficient in Python, Java, SQL, and AWS, and I’ve built scalable tools and services that tie together GIS data, automation, and reporting for large infrastructure projects. I’m currently pursuing a second MSc in Computer Science to deepen my understanding of algorithms, databases, and machine learning. I thrive on cross-team collaboration, clear documentation, and training, and I’m continually expanding my skill set through hands-on development and leadership opportunities.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
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Work Experience

Senior GIS Officer at Headland Archaeology
February 1, 2024 - Present
Promoted to lead the GIS team with a strong focus on software development and automation across major UK infrastructure projects (e.g. HS2, EA1, A14). Engineered 10+ QGIS plugins and 50+ Python/SQL scripts for data processing, validation, reporting, and archiving. Developed ArcGIS Pro scripts and model tools for data quality checks, and created Esri Online projects, Story Maps, and dashboards for client deliverables and presentations. Automated digitisation of geophysics greyscale rasters and explored ML models for archaeological feature recognition. Built and deployed mobile GIS solutions (QGIS, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Mergin Maps) reducing survey data turnaround and supported the development of an interactive map for client engagement. Ongoing design of scalable GIS infrastructure on AWS and oversight of GIS team workload and training.
GIS Officer at Headland Archaeology
February 1, 2024 - September 6, 2025
Provided technical support for project maintenance, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and innovative visualization. Developed templates for Mergin Map platforms (Trench Tracker, Feature Tracker, Base Map, Conditional Survey with Photo Record). Conducted utility mapping, pre-excavation evaluation project design, and post-excavation GIS data QC checks. Authored detailed technical reports, guides, and training materials to support GIS team setup and field office workflows.
Co-Founder and Main Full Stack Developer at 9700km Studio
May 1, 2025 - Present
Co-founded a freelance studio delivering custom software tools, websites, and interactive applications. Full-stack development across front-end (React, HTML/CSS, JavaScript) and back-end (Java, Python, PostgreSQL), including deployment on AWS and containerized environments. Exploring opportunities to leverage machine learning and computer vision within geospatial and cultural heritage use cases.
IT Instructor at ComputerXplorer
February 1, 2022 - September 6, 2025
Delivered after-school IT clubs across four schools, teaching introductory programming concepts in Python and C. Used engaging platforms such as Minecraft modding and educational robotics kits to demonstrate programming logic and real-world applications.

Education

MSc Computer Science at Heriot-Watt University
September 1, 2025 - September 6, 2025
MSc Maritima Archaeology at University of Southampton
September 1, 2020 - December 1, 2021

Qualifications

Math for Machine Learning
September 1, 2025 - September 6, 2025
Junior Software Developer
August 1, 2025 - September 6, 2025
Full Stack Web Developer
July 1, 2025 - September 6, 2025
Scientific Computing with Python
March 1, 2024 - September 6, 2025
AWS Cloud Practitioner
January 1, 2024 - September 6, 2025
Introduction to Computer Science (C and Python)
August 1, 2023 - September 6, 2025
Math for Machine Learning
September 1, 2025 - September 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Professional Services, Education, Software & Internet, Government