Diploma course in

Geoinformatics, with ARU, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

With specialisation modules: Digital Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, GIS Operation, Cartography and Geo-Visualisation

The task of managing land use and the Earth’s resources is becoming increasingly important owing to the rising world population and economic growth. To keep pace with this task, planners,  resources managers, decision makers and scientists make considerable use of complex, powerful computerised geographical information systems (GIS) and GIS sources in the form of spatial databases  and digital (web-based) map products. These users depend on the availability of up-to-date, well-structured and geo-referenced spatial data. Such data can be extracted from aerial photographs, digital images from airborne and space borne sensors, terrestrial surveys or existing databases. To meet the demand, it is essential that geo-information production organisations are staffed by capable and well-trained professionals.

Target group

The nine-month ITC/ARU diploma course is designed for professionals at technologist level in geo-information production organisations whose prime concern it is to execute the daily operational tasks related to the analysis, processing and dissemination of geographic data (including the coordination of digital production processes, implementation of work procedures and the supervision of groups of operators).

What will you learn?

The coursework emphasises on concepts and processes that are used for the production, storage, analysis, visualisation and dissemination of spatial data and geo-information. The course focuses on the application of digital geo-information production methods and the use of tools in data acquisition, processing, analysis, management and storage, and the visualisation/dissemination of spatial information by means of (analogue and digital) maps including inter-active and web(server) based maps.

The course structure

The diploma course consists of three distinct blocks.

The specializations

During the 2012-2013 course two specializations will be offered.

GIS Operation
This specialization provides participants with the theoretical basis and practical training needed to build and manage spatial databases and perform spatial analysis using database management systems (DBMS) and GIS tools.

Cartography and Geo-Visualization
This specialization provides participants with the theoretical education and practical training needed to contribute to the (carto) graphic visualisation of geo-information by means of screen displays or hard copies, as well as to interactive applications developed for web and multimedia utilization, based upon the analysis of available GIS data and GIS user or map user requirements.

ITC and ARU reserve the right to cancel a specialization.

Admission requirements

Academic level and background

Applicants for the Diploma course in Geoinfomatics should have completed their secondary education in a discipline related to the course specialisation and have at least three years of relevant practical experience.

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 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.