Certificate course in

Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing

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 demand, planners, resources managers and application scientists now make considerable use of frequently acquired high-resolution and/or multispectral images.

Sound application depends on the availability of up-to-date, reliable and well-structured information. Satellite images from various sensors and digital aerial photographs are often used as data sources, along with modern techniques such as laser altimetry. Technical means to reference and extract topographic and thematic information from these sources in semi-automated processing environments are continuously under development. It is essential to train the staff responsible for acquiring such reference data not only in established and upcoming techniques such as object-based classification but also in understanding the relevancy of the acquisition process and its reliability for current GIS specialists.

For whom is the course relevant?

The course is intended to train staff to function at the supervisory level in rapidly changing map and geo-information production environments. It focuses on state-of-the-art technology in the field of remote sensing and digital image processing for information extraction, as well as on its consequences for applications by GIS specialists. The course is targeted at staff from government agencies and private companies who have practical professional experience in remote sensing and/or photogrammetry and who wish to become familiar with state-of-the-art technology. GIS specialists who make regular use of digitally acquired spatial reference data and are interested in the source and accuracy of these data would also significantly benefit from this course.

What will be achieved?

The aim of the course is to equip participants with practical knowledge of:

• acquiring and producing geospatial information by using digital and analogue remote sensing and digital image processing
• the positional and thematic accuracy of this information and its relevancy in GIS applications.

Admission requirements

Academic level and background

Applicants for the certificate courses Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing, GIS Operation, Introduction to Geoinformatics, and Cartography and Geo-visualization should have completed their secondary education in a discipline related to the course specialisation and have at least three years of relevant practical experience.

Some courses in the Certificate programme or separate modules require knowledge of, and skills in, working with GIS and/or digital image processing of remotely sensed data.

Skills in taught or related subjects are a prerequisite for some courses in the Certificate programme or separate modules. Even if the applicant satisfies the overall admission requirements, acceptance is not automatic.

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

Applicants lacking computer experience are strongly advised to follow basic courses in their home countries.