Who are we?
Dr. Saeed Rahimi
Director
Email: saeed@imaginative-ai.com
Saeed is a skilled Geospatial Information Scientist and AI researcher with a decade-plus background in civil engineering, surveying, electric power distribution, and environmental consultancy firms. He’s deeply involved in spatiotemporal data analysis —causal modeling, agent-based simulation, and pattern recognition are his focus. Additionally, he is dedicated to advancing counterfactual causal analysis theory in AI. Saeed’s keen on applying machine-learning techniques to model dynamic geospatial phenomena, from human and animal movement behavior to environmental processes and land use changes. He also contributes to evolutionary computation and spatial decision support systems. Beyond work, Saeed finds balance in climbing, fitness, and exploring philosophy, history, and politics.
Curriculum Vitae
PhD | School of Surveying/Department of Information Science, University of Otago | 2017 – 2021
My PhD research delved into the realm of GeoAI, aiming to bridge advanced AI theories, specifically machines with imagination capabilities, with GIScience. The interdisciplinary nature of my work was reflected in the collaboration between the Information Science Department and the School of Surveying. My thesis introduced a conceptual data-driven agent architecture, illustrating how an autonomous moving agent, armed with highly abstracted causal knowledge, can compartmentalise its environmental perceptions and reasoning for movement. Expanding the theoretical frontiers of GeoAI, I also developed a data-driven agent capable of addressing counterfactual causal inquiries.
M.Sc. | GIS, University of Tehran | 2009 – 2012
My master’s thesis focused on the implementation of TeleGeoInformatics to design an emergency response system. This system received hazard reports from a public mobile application, stored them in a database, and retrieved and visualised them for effective response. The final product comprised a mobile app developed in Java ME and a standalone software developed in VB.Net and Arc Objects.
Founder | Imaginative AI
Mar 2023 – Present
Lead Geospatial Data Scientist |Land & Water Science (LaWS) | May 2021 – March 2023
As the Lead Geospatial Data Scientist, I oversaw a team of data scientists, geologists, and environmental engineers, managing diverse research projects. My responsibilities encompassed strengthening the company’s capabilities in Cloud Computing, Programming, and GeoAI.
GIS Data Analyst | Aurora Energy Limited New Zealand
Feb 2021 – May 2021
I joined Aurora Energy to contribute to several key initiatives, including:
- Overseeing the seamless migration of their spatial data from various platforms to GIS.
- Developing innovative solutions for efficient geospatial data collection using Esri’s Survey123.
- Designing dashboards for presenting data to the managerial team through Esri’s dashboards.
Researcher | Tehran Urban Planning & Research Centre (TUPRC) | Feb 2011 – May 2016
GIS Consultant | The Electric Power Distribution Company (TAVANIR) | Feb 2014 – Aug 2016
- Rahimi, S., Moore, A. B., and Whigham, P. A. (2023) “Counterfactual reasoning in space and time: Integrating Graphical Causal Models in Computational Movement Analysis” Transactions in GIS.
- Moore, A. B., Rahimi, S., and Borna K. (2022). “Geographic Vector Agents: Framework and Applications”. Nowostawski, M. and Regenbrecht, H. (Eds.), Festschrift for Martin Purvis. An Information Science “Renaissance Man”. College Publications. https://www.collegepublications.co.uk/tributes/?00047
- Rahimi, S., Moore, A. B., and Whigham, P. A. (2022); A Vector Agent Approach to Movement Modelling and Analysis; Nature Scientific Reports 12, 21179. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-22056-9
- Rahimi, S., Moore, A. B., and Whigham, P. A. (2021); Beyond objects in space-time: Towards a movement analysis model with ‘How’ and ‘Why’ elements; International Journal of Geo-Information; 10(3): 190. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi10030190
- Rahimi, S., AshorNejad Q., Moore A. B. and Ghorbani, H. (2020); Obtaining and Weighting Spatial Decision Criteria for Edutainment Energy Parks Siting; Journal of Cleaner Production; 255.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120279
- Rahimi, S., Shadman, M. and Abaspour, R.A. (2014); Using combined AHP-Genetic Algorithm in artificial groundwater recharge site selection of Garabaygan Basin; Environmental Earth Sciences; 72(6): 1979-1992. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3109-9
- Shadman, M., Rahimi, S.and Jafar Beglou, M. (2014); PROMETHEE II and Fuzzy AHP: An Enhanced GIS-Based Landslide Susceptibility Mapping; Natural hazards; 73(1): 77-95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-012-0523-8
- FarajiSabokbar, H. A., Mahmodi Mimand, H., Rahimi, S. and Shadman, M. (2013); The Evaluation of land Eco-Capability for water planting using grey clustering analysis; World Applied Sciences Journal; 21(1): 142-151.
Meet Our Associates
Dr. Giovanni Pedone
Commercialisation Advisor
giovanni@imaginative-ai.com
Giovanni is a dedicated researcher whose expertise lies in unraveling the mysteries of cognitive processes and problem-solving mechanisms. With a background in Molecular Biotechnology and a PhD focused on “insight,” he has explored the sudden “aha” moments that lead to breakthrough solutions.
Giovanni possesses an innate passion for research, science, and cutting-edge technologies. His thirst for knowledge extends beyond his field, driving him to constantly learn new skills and tackle diverse challenges. This enthusiasm infuses our team with a spirit of interdisciplinary exploration and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of discovery.
Dr. Adeel Akmal
Strategic Guidance
Adeel holds a PhD in management, a distinguished accomplishment achieved at the Otago Business School. His academic journey has led him to become an expert in enhancing the quality of production and service organisations. His current research pursuits revolve around refining and optimising quality improvement processes within these sectors. Adeel serves as a respected research fellow at the University of Otago and a prominent Assistant Professor at the University of Iceland, further exemplifying his commitment to advancing knowledge and education.
Adeel’s professional philosophy lies on lean thinking — an approach that emphasises efficiency, minimisation of waste, and maximisation of value. This philosophy is integral to both his management advice and daily practices, showcasing his dedication to driving organisational success through streamlined processes and strategic insights.
Talk to us
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