Geo-information Science and Earth Observation

From the houses that we live in to the meals that we eat and the smart phones that we use: earth resources play a vital part in our daily lives. Earth also contains hidden geothermal systems that can provide energy for the production of electricity. In the search for these earth and geothermal resources, remote sensing technology becomes ever more important. Are you an earth scientist who wants to become a remote sensing expert? Then ITC’s specialization in Applied Remote Sensing for Earth Sciences is what you’re looking for.

Geo-spatial data is the major driver of today’s information society. More Big Geo Data than ever is being created by smart phones, satellites, and sensors. This data is used for an increasing number of scientific purposes that aim to benefit the world. It’s a matter of gathering, analyzing, distributing and visualizing the data to make it fit for specific use, e.g. in systems for improving agricultural practice or creating healthy cities. The technologies supporting these processes are at the core of geoinformatics.

Land is at the basis of all societies. A healthy land administration means secure land tenure, and efficient land markets and land development. In the process it contributes to developing and supporting local economies as well as reducing poverty and helping to avoid related disputes. Unfortunately, less than a quarter of the world’s countries maintain a complete land administration system. Would you like to be a change agent helping countries achieve and sustain societal stability and prosperity? Then ITC’s specialization in Land Administration is your perfect choice. 

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme weather are triggers for disasters in many parts of the world. The effects of climate change and of cities that keep on growing bigger and bigger are also increasingly harmful. Our exposure and vulnerability to landslides, flooding, erosion and other hazards are continuously changing. Would you like to know why and when natural hazards turn into disasters? Want to play a role in minimizing their impact and reducing disaster risk? Then ITC’s specialization in Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction is just right for you.

By 2040, the world’s population will reach 9 billion, and we will share the world with an additional 1.4 billion people. This increase is more than the entire population of Africa. At the same time, living standards are improving, leading to a massive increase in demand for food, timber, water and other resources, which are already affected by climate change and a fragmenting environment. Without proper management, serious problems such as deforestation, overgrazing and biodiversity loss are inevitable. Would you like to help turn this situation around, as an environmental manager? Then ITC’s specialisation in Natural Resources Management is the way to go.

How to make − and keep − the world’s modern cities healthy and attractive for the increasing multitudes living and working there? How to ensure that cities are sufficiently compact, sustainable, inclusive, competitive, and resilient? Realising these objectives requires a keen understanding of dynamic urban processes. In gaining such understanding geo-information science and technology constitute an indispensable source of information. Which is the very foundation for ITC’s specialization in Urban Planning and Management.

Many of the world’s major environmental concerns have to do with water. Potable water is getting increasingly scarce, which makes it a valuable resource to be managed wisely. Extreme weather causes excessive flooding which can often be prevented with proper by interventions. Pollution of valuable water resources and the status of precious wetlands deserve close monitoring. Would you like to contribute to tackling these issues caused by having too little, too much, or dirty water? Then ITC’s specialization in Water Resources and Environmental Management is what you’re looking for.

Do you have an area of expertise and/or career path in mind that is not quite covered by the specializations as outlined by ITC? Not to worry, as you can also define your very own free specialization by making a personal selection from the courses on offer in the different specializations. An ITC team of mentor and research theme coordinator will be glad to help you compose an alternative integral programme of courses.