Christos Sotiropoulos
R&D Lead | Remote Sensing & Machine Learning Specialist
R&D Lead / Remote Sensing Engineer at CarbonSpace
About
Experience
R&D Lead / Remote Sensing Engineer
CarbonSpace · full time
Oct 2023 – Jun 2026 · 2 yrs 8 mos · Ireland | Remote
Joined as a Remote Sensing Engineer focusing on the integration of SAR (Sentinel-1, ALOS PALSAR) and Optical (Landsat, Sentinel-2) methodologies and the overall improvement of EO processing workflows across ML pipelines. Later promoted to R&D Lead, while continuing to be actively involved in technical implementation. Developed ML models for carbon monitoring and Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) by integrating eddy-covariance flux-tower data with satellite, meteorological (AgERA5) and environmental data (SOC, climate), including quality control, feature engineering, predictive modelling, and model performance evaluation. Led the R&D roadmap for IPCC-compliant carbon monitoring, developing statistical methodologies for propagating ML model-level uncertainty across spatial and temporal scales, model-to-project applicability analysis, and project-level carbon accounting and uncertainty. In parallel, supported compliance with LSRS/GHG Protocol standards and third-party ISO 14064-3 certification via Control Union. Developed operational multi-sensor EO applications using SAR and optical data to monitor deforestation, land cover change, and natural disturbances such as fires and floods, as well as customised user products. Contributed to scientific and technical documentation, including white papers, methodology and processing pipeline documentation, and SOPs for model updates and maintenance.
Remote Sensing Consultant
Aurea Imaging · contract
Aug 2022 – Jun 2023 · 10 mos · Netherlands | Remote
Supported the operations team with vigour & blossom analysis, involving Python-based data processing and production of crop performance products derived from drone images and using Deep Learning models.
SAR & Remote Sensing Researcher
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki · contract
Jan 2021 – Jun 2022 · 1 yr 5 mos · Greece | Remote
Part of the Laboratory of Forest Management & Remote Sensing and responsible for the following projects: Biomass estimation using Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 optical data with machine learning in a dense coniferous forest (peer-reviewed publication, MDPI Forests 2022). Project developed using Python, R and SNAP. Forest-species classification using Sentinel-2 optical data and vegetation indices with machine learning. Project developed within Google Earth Engine environment using JavaScript API. Contribution to the preparation and writing of EU funding and grant proposals, including the Horizon 2020 FirEUrisk project.
SAR & Remote Sensing Specialist
eLEAF · full time
Nov 2017 – Mar 2020 · 2 yrs 4 mos · Netherlands | On-site
Data processing and production of high-resolution crop and forest monitoring products as well as evapotranspiration maps using SEBAL model. Responsibilities involved project setup, workflow automation through object-oriented programming (Python, R), model calibration, quality control, performance reports and project delivery.
Projects & Portfolio
PiMapping
PiMapping® data for monitoring sugarcane on Nchalo Estate, Malawi. Illovo Sugar, British Sugar's subsidiary in Africa. Aim of the project is the monitoring of sugarcane production for Illovo Sugar in the south of Malawi. Project provides biweekly data on biomass production, evapotranspiration (ET), leaf area index (LAI) and nitrogen uptake as well as, monthly reports on crop performance. Responsible for data acquisition, operational data processing, quality control, data delivery and crop performance reports.
FruitLook
FruitLook, Western Cape Province, South Africa. Funded by ESA & Department of Agriculture of Western Cape, South Africa. FruitLook provides weekly, space-based information on crop performance status for irrigation blocks in orchards and vineyards areas of the Western Cape, South Africa. The water, vegetation and climate information provided assist farmers to better understand the effects of water use and facilitate crop management decisions. Responsible for the production of evapotranspiration and biomass production data, quality control and delivery of the produced components to the online platform.
Skills & Endorsements
Education
M.Sc.
Wageningen University & Research · Geo-Information Science
Jan 2015 – Dec 2017
BSc
University of Thessaly · Forestry & Environmental Management
Jan 2006 – May 2010
Publications
GIS Software Proficiency
Volunteering
Forest Mapping & Wildlife Management
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Apr 2014 – Dec 2014
Reserve management in a variety of habitats (ancient oak woodlands, wet forests, upland meadows and lowland grasslands) Production of maps and environmental reports (GIS, Remote Sensing) Monitoring/mapping wildlife populations’ activity and their affect to the local forested environment Development of a Meadow & Woodland Management Plan