Dr. Mohammed Hlal is a postdoctoral researcher at the Center of Urban Systems (CUS) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco. With a multidisciplinary background in geomatics engineering, urban planning, and disaster risk management, Dr. Hlal’s work bridges cutting-edge geospatial technologies with sustainable development challenges, particularly in the Global South.
Dr. Hlal holds two master’s degrees: a specialized master’s degree in geomatic engineering and topography, and a master’s degree in geomatic and urban planning, which provide him with a solid foundation in both technical and planning aspects of urban systems. His doctoral research focused on urban risk management in northeastern Morocco, where he developed expertise in spatial analysis, urban systems modeling, and environmental monitoring.
At UM6P, Dr. Hlal leads multiple research projects centered on developing and applying geospatial models for sustainable urban development and urban risk management. He also heads a research lab dedicated to advancing innovative methodologies in environmental monitoring, spatial planning, and risk-informed infrastructure design.
Among his most notable contributions is his role in the Ndjili River Digital Twin project, a collaborative initiative with EPFL and the Red Cross. This project aims to enhance urban flood risk management through real-time hydrological modeling, geospatial analysis, and water quality monitoring to support data-driven planning in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
In addition to his research, Dr. Hlal has taught GIS and spatial analysis to PhD students at several Moroccan universities, advocating for the use of geo-intelligence in sustainable urban transformation. His work continues to support climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive urban planning, with a commitment to building resilient, data-informed cities in Africa