Postgraduate diploma course in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for

Water Resources and Environmental Management

Security and sustainable development of our water resources is one of the key problems of the 21st century. Improved water management can make a significant contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Current international initiatives such as the Global Earth Observation System of Systems 10-Year Implementation Plan have identified earth observation as the key to helping to solve the world’s water problems. The availability of spatial information on water resources will enable closure of the water budget at river basin scales to the point where effective water management as requested by the EU Water Framework Directive is possible. Floods, droughts, water quality, water-ecosystem and soil-water-climate interactions, and the sustainability of water resources are important issues in water resources management and hydrology.

Course participants are exposed to developments in geo-information science and earth observation for assessment, monitoring and prediction purposes in the fields of water resources, hydrology and environmental management.

For whom is the course relevant?

The course is designed for young and mid-career professionals involved in water resources, agriculture, irrigation, civil engineering, hydrology, (agro-)meteorology and physical geography who are of BSc or MSc level and preferably have some years of professional experience. Most of our alumni work for ministries of water, irrigation departments, meteorological departments, water authorities, universities or international organizations such as IWMI and UNEP.

What is the course content?

The course introduces participants to the use of earth observation and geo-information for quantifying components of the water cycle. Specialization topics and specific modules are offered in three streams:

• Environmental Hydrology,
• Surface Hydrology, and
• Groundwater Assessment and Modelling.

Each stream focuses on a different aspect of water resources and the environment.

Earth observation techniques can be used for water resources assessment and management. In the course, the concepts related to the acquisition of hydrological data from satellite images are explored. The applications of earth observation in flood, recharge, drought, water quality monitoring and climate studies are demonstrated. The Groundwater Assessment and Modelling stream focuses on subsurface processes and the use of spatial models for groundwater assessment and management. The Surface Hydrology stream focuses on water quantity aspects (flooding, agricultural water use, climate) from local to regional scale. Participants with an Environmental Hydrology orientation study freshwater, wetland and coastal zone interactions and the environmental impacts of water resources projects. Important topics include optical remote sensing of water quality and the modelling of hydro-geochemical data. An option exists to take several modules in the field of water engineering and management at the Faculty of Engineering Technology.

The Postgraduate diploma course concludes with a six-week project assignment.

From diploma to degree

Participants who have successfully completed the Postgraduate diploma course are eligible to pursue the MSc degree course at a later stage.

What will be achieved?

Participants will develop skills in methods and techniques relevant to integrated watershed hydrology, groundwater, surface water and/or environmental hydrology. Case studies and fieldwork play a crucial role, enabling participants to acquire a working knowledge of advanced tools and methods. Through real-life problem-oriented case studies, the course participants will be exposed to problem-solving techniques. Earth observation, GIS and modelling software are provided, so participants will be able to apply their skills in their home organizations.

Why choose this course?

This course provides a unique opportunity for hydrologists, water resources managers, decision makers and practitioners to combine their experience and (field) knowledge with recent advances in the use of space technology and computational methods for water resources and environmental management. Knowledge gained in the courses can directly support activities in the area of water resources management, environmental monitoring, environmental security, disaster management and sustainable development.

Admission requirements

Academic level and background

Applicants for the Postgraduate diploma programme should have a Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised university in a discipline related to the course, preferably combined with working experience in a relevant field.

English language

As all courses are given in English, proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite. If you are a national of one of the countries in this list (PDF), you are exempted from an English language test. Please note: the requirements when applying for fellowships may vary according to the regulations of the fellowship provider.

English language tests: minimum requirements

Only internationally recognised test results are accepted.

Computer skills

Although introductory lessons on computer skills are scheduled in the Postgraduate diploma programme, applicants lacking computer experience are strongly advised to follow basic courses in their home countries.

Notebook requirements

Participants who start an ITC course of nine months or longer (MSc, Master and Diploma courses), are required to have a notebook computer that meets ITC’s requirements. If you do not own a notebook that meets the minimum requirements as described below then you can purchase a notebook through the ITC Notebook Programme. Notebooks purchased through the ITC Notebook Programme will have at least the recommended specifications as described below and will be fully supported and serviced by the ITC Notebook Service Centre. When repairs take more than an hour you will be able to borrow a notebook for the duration of the repair. Of course you are free to buy a laptop somewhere else, but then you cannot make use of these benefits.

If you are planning to bring your own notebook then please check the requirements carefully. Only notebooks that meet the minimum requirements can be serviced by the Notebook Service Centre. Note that only limited service on a best effort base (software issues only) can be provided when you bring your own notebook.

Student notebooks have access to the wireless and wired network at ITC and wired network in the ITC hotel. This provides access to the network disks and printers.

Software that is required for your study is provided by ITC for the time that you are studying at ITC. Microsoft Office you will need to buy yourself.

Hardware and operating system requirements

Notes:

1. If your computer has a different language installed then you can install the free English language pack from the Windows Update site. Notebooks that do not have an English operating system or language pack installed will not be serviced by the Notebook Service Centre. Supervised practicals also rely on an English user interface.
2. Make sure you have a genuine installation of your operating system. Non genuine windows versions cannot be updated with the latest security updates. (Test it here.)
3. Remove unnecessary software from your notebook before you come to ITC. Demo or trial software can conflict with full software versions provided during the ITC course.
4. Bring your installation DVD’s and license numbers in case your notebook has to be reinstalled.
5. Windows 7 student license can be purchased (approximately 55 Euro) at ITC if your notebook does not have the minimum Windows version.
6. You will need Microsoft Office 2010, which you can purchase when you arrive at ITC for less than 50 Euro.
7. Make sure not to bring or install illegal software, because this will not be tolerated, access to the network and ITC software will be denied and support on your notebook will not be given any longer.