Dr Stephen Fildes

Stephen Fildes is a geospatial scientist with a strong interest in applying spatial technologies to both human and natural environments. He first joined Flinders University in 1993 as a draftsperson, cartographer and GIS analyst, later taking on an academic role where he was primarily responsible for the development and teaching of remote sensing in the former School of Geography, Population and Environmental Management, and the School of the Environment. He was the lead developer and Director of Studies for the postgraduate programs in GIS between 2008 and 2016. After 24 years, Stephen recently left Flinders but continues his association with the University as a Lecturer/Researcher with Full Academic Status in the College of Science and Engineering.

Stephen has extensive experience in GIS and remote sensing, beginning with the georeferencing and development of the GIS database for the proposed Multi-Function Polis (Mawson Lakes) in the early 1990s, and subsequent land-use capacity studies supporting urban infill planning across the Port Adelaide Enfield region. His work has since focused on remote sensing of semi-arid environments, flood and impervious surface modelling, landscape dynamics, and land cover change and condition. He has also supported numerous students in developing practical field skills ranging from GNSS and surveying instrumentation to flora measurements and sampling. His Master’s and PhD research advanced the use of hyperspectral and machine learning methods for environmental and groundwater mapping in data-scarce regions, including partnerships with SA Water, the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT), and CSIRO Land and Water.