Edwin Liava'a

Geospatial Engineer

Professional Summary

Experienced Geospatial Systems Analyst/Developer with over 20 years of expertise in developing innovative GIS solutions across the Pacific region. Specializing in geographic information systems, climate change adaptation, and utility infrastructure mapping.

Professional Experience

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Tonga Cable Ltd
May 2025 – Present
  • Providing strategic leadership and governance oversight for Tonga's international fiber optic submarine cable system
  • Ensuring sustainable operation and expansion of critical national digital infrastructure
  • Driving initiatives to enhance geospatial mapping of submarine cable networks
  • Overseeing infrastructure planning and development with GIS-based risk assessment and management

Founder & Full Stack Developer

Pasifika Web3 Tech Hub
Apr 2025 – Present
  • Founded a groundbreaking decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) for Pacific Island communities that incorporates geospatial mapping for infrastructure development
  • Designed systems that leverage location-based data to optimize resource distribution across island communities
  • Integrated geospatial components to create a digital representation of cultural heritage sites and community resources
  • Developed mapping interfaces that help visualize economic opportunities and infrastructure needs across Pacific Islands

GIS Team Leader

Kahuto Pacific
Feb 2025 – March 2025
  • Oversaw the development, implementation, and management of Geographic Information System (GIS) projects within the Moana Database
  • Led the team in pioneering the Pacific's first comprehensive geospatial data platform, delivering high-quality LiDAR and imagery data through an intuitive cloud-based portal
  • Empowered sustainable development across Pacific Island communities by providing accessible and actionable geospatial data
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure the platform meets the needs of governments, utilities, and development organizations

GIS Specialist

OCA GLOBAL
Dec 2023 – Present
  • Developed disaster risk reduction policies and frameworks for electric utilities in Federated States of Micronesia
  • Conducted risk assessments through GIS mapping to analyze infrastructure vulnerability to natural hazards
  • Provided capacity building to government staff on disaster vulnerability analysis and risk monitoring

Geospatial Systems Analyst/Application Developer

CheSpatial
Sep 2012 – Dec 2016
  • Developed geospatial systems and data analytics solutions for utilities
  • Expertise in QGIS, MapInfo, PostGIS, ArcGIS, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Access
  • Created sophisticated geospatial database solutions for complex infrastructure projects

Database/GIS Specialist

Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC)
Dec 2010 – Aug 2012
  • Built geospatial databases and solutions for utilities companies in Pacific Island countries
  • Provided comprehensive GIS training and capacity building across the region

Hydrological Cycle Observing System (HYCOS) Specialist

Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission
May 2008 – Dec 2010
  • Developed regional geospatial database for water resource management
  • Implemented water databases across 14 Pacific Island nations including Cook Islands, Fiji, Micronesia, and others
  • Assisted in developing national water databases for multiple Pacific countries

Additional GIS Roles

Education

Technical Skills

QGIS MapInfo ArcGIS PostGIS PostgreSQL Oracle Access Geospatial Analysis Climate Change Adaptation Mapping Infrastructure Risk Assessment Utility Infrastructure Mapping

Certifications

Publications

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