David Donnelly

GIS Consultant
Information and Computational Sciences
E: david.donnelly@hutton.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)344 928 5428 (*)
David graduated in 1987 with a BSc in Topographic Science from Glasgow University and in 2009 completed an MSc in Geographic Information Science at Birkbeck College, University of London.

Research

His background is in the analysis, creation and management of geographical data and he has worked on the mapping programmes of many countries. He has extensive experience in the use and customisation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and in photogrammetry and remote sensing.

David is experienced in creating custom GIS and other software tools for a wide range of geospatial applications and has also produced web tools to link databases and spatial data. He wrote the code for both the Apple and Android versions of the SoilFinder and Soil Erosion Scotland apps (front end and back end) and the front end of SOCiT and the PotatoSize(TM) app. Some of his recent work includes websites with spatial data such as and updated SoilFinder website and an Organic Matter tool produced with funding from CXC and Working for Waders, produced with funding from Working for Waders Initiative partners.

David led a task to develop a spatial register of Scotland’s natural assets as part of the Scottish Government funded strategic research programme.

David’s other responsibilities at the Institute include data leasing and publications.

Past research

David wrote the GIS software to implement the Phosphorus Land Use and Slope (PLUS+) model and was the Hutton’s representative on the Scotland’s Environment Web management team.

Publications

Journals

Books

  • Gimona, A.; Baggio Compagnucci, A.; Donnelly, D.; Irvine, R.J. (2016) Aberdeenshire Regional Land Use Pilot: A web-based spatial tool to support land use decision making., In: Brooker, R., Hester, A. & Pakeman, R. (eds.). Ecosystem Services. The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, pp16-17.
  • Aitkenhead, M.J.; Donnelly, D.; Coull, M.C.; Gwatkin, R. (2016) Estimating soil properties with a mobile phone., In: Hartemink, A., Minasny, B. (eds) Digital Soil Morphometrics. Progress in Soil Science. Springer, pp. 89-110
  • Dawson, L.A.; Towers, W.; Owen, J.; White, D.; Coull, M.C.; Ross, J.M.; Donnelly, D.; Cooper, P. (2010) Soils of the crofts., In: Dawson, L.A., Morrice, J. & Rodway, P. Soils of the Crofts. The James Hutton Institute Publication with Crofting Connections, Aberdeen, 130pp.

Reports

  • Donnelly, D.; Sideris, K.; Irvine, K.; Brown, K.; Juarez Bourke, A. (2023) Scoping Report on Digital Platforms Suitable for Developing Greater Inclusion of Diverse Biodiversity Narratives, Listed on Hutton website for RESAS project
  • Stutter, M.; Baggaley, N.; Donnelly, D.; Lilly, A.; Wilkinson, M.; Mellander, P.; OhUallachain, D. (2022) A handbook for the riparian mitigation measures selection tool, Irish EPA Research
  • Aitkenhead, M.; Gagkas, Z.; Pakeman, R.; Nijnik, M.; Gimona, A.; Glendell, M.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; McKeen, M.; Donnelly, D.; Jabloun, M.; Lozada-Ellison, L.; Salt, D.; Sideris, K.; Udugbezi, E. (2022) D52 Deliverable D11 Risk and Opportunities Assessment Framework Scope, Concepts and Structure, Technical report submitted to RESAS.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Addy, S.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Maps and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 164 Eredine Forest 2022 Block, West Argyll Forest District, Digital Soils Data and Report Uploaded into ForesterWeb GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Addy, S.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 163 Cruach Tairbeirt Forest Block 2022, Cowal Trossachs Forest District, Digital Soils Data and Report Uploaded into ForesterWeb GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Riach, D.J.; Addy, S.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Maps and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 162 Kilmichael Forest 2022 Block, West Argyll Forest District, Digital Soils Data and Report Uploaded into ForesterWeb GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Riach, D.J.; Addy, S.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Maps and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 161 Strathlachlan Forest Lephinmore Block 2022, Cowal Trossachs Forest District, Digital Soils Data and Report uploaded into ForesterWeb GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Addy, S.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Maps and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 160 Strathlachlan Forest Main Block 2022, Cowal Trossachs Forest District, Digital Soils Data and Report Uploaded into ForesterWeb GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Riach, D.J.; Butler, B.M.; Addy, S.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 159 Errochty Forest West Block 2021, Tay Forest District, East Region, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Riach, D.J.; Butler, B.M.; Addy, S.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 158 Errochty Forest East Block 2021, Tay Forest District, East Region, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Riach, D.J.; Butler, B.M.; Addy, S.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 157 South Rannoch 2021 Block, Tay Forest District, East Region, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Riach, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 156 Glen Lochy South 2021 Block, West Argyll Forest District, West Region, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 155 Cardross Moss 2021 Block, Cowal and Trossachs Forest District, Central Region, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Addy, S.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 154 – Succoth 2021 Block, West Argyll Forest District, West Region, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 153 – Glen Orchy 2021 Block, West Argyll Forest District, West Region, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Addy, S.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 152 – Duror Forest, Lochaber Forest District, West Region, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Riach, D.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Nolan, A.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 151 Garshellach Block, Central Forest Region, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Butler, B.M.; Nolan, A.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 150 – Pendreich, Central Forest Region, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Butler, B.M.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 149 Garmony SouthEast Block, Island of Mull, West Argyll Forest District, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Riach, D.J.; Nolan, A.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 148 Garmony NorthWest Block, Island of Mull, West Argyll Forest District, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Butler, B.M.; Nolan, A.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 147 Crannich NorthWest and SouthEast Blocks, Island of Mull, West Argyll Forest District, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Henderson, D.J.; Nolan, A.J.; Riach, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 146 Aintuim Block, Island of Mull, West Argyll Forest District, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Beesley, L.; Addy, S.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Butler, B.M.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000, Volume 145 Torrie 2020 Block, Cowal and Trossachs Forest District, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Butler, B.M.; Addy, S.J.; Donnelly, D. (2022) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 110,000 Volume 144 Loch Katrine 2020, Cowal and Trossachs Forest District, Digital Soil Resources uploaded within ForesterWeb – Forest Management GIS, Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Hewison, R.L.; Nolan, A.J.; Donnelly, D. (2021) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 142 – Durris Forest South-West Block, 2020, Moray & Aberdeenshire Forest District, East Region., Digital Soil Resources within ForesterWeb – Forest and Land Scotland GIS and Management Tool.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Baggaley, N.; Hewison, R.L.; Donnelly, D. (2021) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 141 – Durris Forest North-West Block, 2020, Moray & Aberdeenshire Forest District, East Region., Digital Soil Resources within ForesterWeb – Forest and Land Scotland GIS and Management Tool.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Riach, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2021) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 137 – Strathdon-Ladylea Block, 2020, Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest District, East Region., Digital Soil Resources within ForesterWeb – Forest and Land Scotland GIS and Management Tool.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Henderson, D.J.; Beesley, L.; Donnelly, D. (2021) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 134 – Glen Devon Main Block, 2020, Tay Forest District, East Region., Digital Soil Resources within ForesterWeb – Forest and Land Scotland GIS and Management Tool.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Donnelly, D. (2021) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 133 – Glen Devon East Block, 2020, Tay Forest District, East Region., Digital Soil Resources within ForesterWeb – Forest and Land Scotland GIS and Management Tool.
  • Hewison, R.L.; Butler, B.M.; Nolan, A.J.; Donnelly, D. (2021) Soil Survey Digital Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 132 – Glentrool Forest West Block, 2020 – Galloway Forest District, South Region, Digital Soil Resources within ForesterWeb – Forest and Land Scotland GIS and Management Tool.

Conference papers

  • Towers, W.; Xiao, X.; Sneddon, S.; Woodfield, M.; Donnelly, D.; Lilly, A.; Miller, D.R.; Dobbie, K.; Bruneau, P.M.C. (2014) Delivery of soils information over the web., Proceedings of SRUC/SEPA Conference Agriculture and Environment, Delivering Multiple Benefits from our Land; Sustainable Development in Practice, Edinburgh, 15-16 April 2014, pp304-305.
  • Donnelly, D.; Miller, D.R.; Towers, W. (2013) Scottish Soil Database and Website., AGI Scotland Conference, University of Glasgow, 27 February 2013.
  • Miller, D.R.; Horne, P.; Donnelly, D.; Morrice, J.; Donaldson-Selby, G; Wang,C. (2013) Mapping physical and visual access of greenspace., GreenHealth Conference, Edinburgh, 11 March 2013.
  • Miller, D.R.; Horne, P.; Donnelly, D.; Morrice, J. (2013) Mapping physical and visual access of greenspace., GIS Research UK, University of Liverpool, 3-5 April 2013.
  • Aitkenhead, M.; Donnelly, D.; Coull, M.; Black, H.I.A. (2013) E-SMART: Environmental Sensing for Monitoring and Advising in Real-Time., In: Hrebicek, J., Schimak, G., Kubasek, M. & Rizzoli A.E. (eds.). Environmental Software Systems: Fostering Information Sharing, 10th IFIP WG 5.11 International Symposium on Environmental Software Systems (ISESS), Springer, 413, 129-142.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D.; Chapman, S.J.; Aitkenhead, M.; Cummins, R.; Smith, J.; Smith, P.; Bain, C.; Coupar, A. (2012) WISE peatland choices – a GIS based tool to prioritise restoration opportunities on the peatlands of Scotland., 14th International Peat Congress, “Peatlands in Balance”, Stockholm, Sweden, 3-8 June 2012.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D.; Chapman, S.J.; Towers, W.; Aitkenhead, M.; Andersen, R.; Coupar, A.; Bain, C.; Hughes J. (2012) WISE peatland choices – a scoping tool for the prioritisation of restoration needs of peatlands in Scotland., British Ecological Society Joint BES and IUCN UK Symposium, Bangor University, Wales, 26-28 June 2012.
  • Andersen, R.; Artz, R.R.E.; Cummins, R.; Mitchell, R.; Balana, B.; Donnelly, D.; Chapman, S.J.; Smith, J.; Smith, P. (2011) Managing and restoring blanket bogs to benefit biodiversity and carbon in Scotland: a scoping study., International Symposium on Responsible Peatland Management and Growing Media Production, Quebec City, Canada, 13-17 June 2011.
  • Hester, A.J.; Towers, W.; Donnelly, D. (2010) Current site characteristics: a framework for modelling native woodland potential., Glenfeschie Estate Habitats Restoration Seminar, Aviemore, 25 June 2010. Invited paper.
  • Dawson, L.A.; Czerniakiewicz, M.; Handley, K.; Hillier, S.; Robertson, J.; Ross, J.M.; Towers, W.; Donnelly, D.; Mayes, R.W. (2010) A complementary approach to the forensic analysis of soil in case investigations., International Workshop on Criminal and Environmental Soil Forensics, 3rd, Long Beach, California, 2-4 November 2010.
  • Donnelly, D.; Dawson, L.A.; Miller, D.R.; Macdonald, L.M. (2008) Geographic modelling of soil attributes and access for investigative purposes., In: International Crime Science Conference, British Library, London, 16-17 July 2008.

Conference posters

  • Donnelly, D.; Helliwell, R.; May, L.; McCreadie, B. (2019) An assessment of the performance of the PLUS+ in suppporting the evaluation of Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance in Scottish standing waters., Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society (SAGES) Conference, Global Climate Challenges for a Blue Green Economy, John McIntyre Conference Centre, 27-28 November 2019. Book of Abstracts, p25. (Poster)
  • Poggio, L.; Artz, R.R.E.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Aitkenhead, M.; Donnelly, D.; Gimona, A. (2017) Peat drainage conditions assessment in Scotland., European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017 (EGU 2017), Vienna, Austria, 23-28 April 2017. EGU2017-8059 (Poster).
  • Helliwell, R.C.; Donnelly, D.; Bowes, J.; Jackson-Blake, L.; Sample, J.; Hallard, M. (2017) A preliminary assessment of the performance of the PLUS+ (Phosphorus Land Use and Slope) model to evaluate WFD compliance in Scottish standing waters., LuWQ 2017, International Interdisciplinary Conference on Land use and Water Quality, Effect of Agriculture on the Environment, The Hague, The Netherlands, 29 May – 1 June 2017. Abstract No. 164.
  • Aitkenhead, M.J.; Donnelly, D.; Loades, K. (2016) PotatoSize poster., Interface 2016 Event, Moredun, 9 November 2016.
  • Compagnucci, A.B.; Donnelly, D.; Poggio, L.; Irvine, R.J.; Gimona, A. (2015) An interactive Ecosystem Services tool to support land use decision making. Aberdeenshire Regional Land Use Pilot., Workshop Presentation for Ecosystem Services Modelling Course in Bilbao, BC3 Basque Centre Climate Change, 7-17 April 2015. (Poster).
  • Nolan, A.J.; Rayner, B.; Kennedy, A.; Brown, C.; Donnelly, D.; Bell, J.S.; Henderson, D.J.; Towers, W.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.R. (2014) Sustainable forestry: the imperative of soil mapping in forest resource inventory, modelling and management in Scotland, UK., 20th World Congress of Soil Science, Soils Embrace Life and Universe, Jeju, South Korea, 8-13 June 2014.
  • Chapman, S.J.; Artz, R.R.E.; Donnell, D.; Matthews, R. (2013) Peatland restoration: potential abatement and estimation of carbon savings., IUCN Conference: Investing in Peatlands: Partnership for a New Peatland Era, York, 10-12 September 2013. (Poster)
  • Miller, D.R.; Brown, I.; Donnelly, D.; Dunn, S.M.; Matthews, K.B.; Sutherland, L.A.; Towers, W. (2012) Realising land’s potential., Joint SAC/SEPA Biennial Conference in association with Forest Research, The James Hutton Institute and Scottish Natural Heritage “Agriculture and the Environment IX: Valuing Ecosystems: Policy, Economic and Management Interactions”, Edinburgh, 3-4 April 2012.
  • Donnelly, D.; Macdonald, L.M.; Ball, J.; Dawson, L.A. (2007) Where dunnit?, Soil Forensics International Conference, Edinburgh, 30 October – 1 November 2007. Abstract and poster presentation, p42.
  • Macdonald, L.M.; Donnelly, D.; Ball, J.; Dawson, L.A. (2007) Integration of modern soil fingerprinting methods for forensic application., The Environment in a Legal and Regulatory Context – Environmental Forensics: a new frontier, Bournemouth University, 16-18 April 2007, p24.