Ismael Foroughi Profile Picture

Dr. Ismael Foroughi

PhD, P.Eng
Pronouns: He/Him

Positions

Assistant Professor

Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Geomatics Engineering

Contact information

Web presence

Phone number

Office: +1 (403) 220-4115

Location

Office: ENE223

For media enquiries, contact

Joe McFarland
Media Relations and Communications Specialist

Cell: +1.403.671.2710
Email: Joe.Mcfarland@ucalgary.ca

Preferred method of communication

I am recruiting graduate students and undergraduate summer researchers for work in PNT, Geodesy, and Physical Geodesy. Applicants must have strong programming (Python/C++/FORTRAN/MATLAB) and analytical skills. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in GNSS/Inertial fusion, gravity field modelling, or crustal deformation analysis. To apply, email a CV and a brief statement of research interests, specifically identifying how your background aligns with the lab's technical focus.

Background

Credentials

Professional Engineer , Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, 2025

Professional Engineer , Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, 2024

Educational Background

PhD Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, University of New Brunswick , 2019

MSc Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering , University of Tehran, 2014

BSc Geomatics Engineering , University of Tehran, 2011

Biography

Dr. Ismael Foroughi is an Assistant Professor of Geodesy in the Department of Geomatics Engineering at the University of Calgary and Vice-President of the Canadian Geophysical Union (CGU). His established research focuses on physical geodesy, high-precision height systems, and gravity field modelling. Dr. Foroughi's core technical work advances the computation of sub-centimetre regional geoid models and the processing of airborne vector gravimetry to improve geodetic infrastructure. Looking forward, his lab is expanding these precise geodetic frameworks to integrate quantum sensing and mobile quantum gravimetry. This emerging research aims to develop gravity-aided positioning systems to secure high-accuracy localization in strictly GNSS-denied environments. Prior to his academic appointment, Dr. Foroughi gained extensive experience across academia, government, and private industry. As a geodetic engineer with the Canadian Geodetic Survey (NRCan), he contributed to the development of GEOID2022 and its error model, a new realization of the North American geoid. In the private sector, he developed advanced geoid modelling software, including OSVGeo (one-step vector geoid determination), alongside multiple other tools that bridge theoretical geodesy with emerging technologies and applications.

Research

Areas of Research

Physical Geodesy, Quantum Gravimetry, Gravity Field and Geoid Modelling, Airborne Vector Gravimetry, Crustal Deformation Analysis, GNSS-Denied Positioning

Courses

Course number Course title Semester
ENGO 419 Geomatics Networks
ENGO 343 Fundamentals of Surveying

Awards

  • Students Union Teaching Excellence Award, 2026

Publications