IRDR International Centre of Excellence 
for Spatial Decision Support for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) consortium promotes a global, multi-disciplinary approach to dealing with the challenges brought by natural disasters, mitigating their impacts, and improving related policy-making mechanisms.

ITC is one of its International Centers of Excellence in Spatial Decision Support for Disaster Risk Reduction which aims to assist decision making in all parts of the Disaster Cycle by providing timely, accurate and useful spatial information. It is hosted by the ITC, the Faculty of Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation of the University of Twente, the Netherlands. 

ITC specializes in state of the art modelling and analysis of geospatial data for capacity building in developing countries and emerging economies. Its mission “Space for Global Development” highlights the efforts in understanding and reducing impact of population growth and climate change on Disasters, Food and Water Security, Urbanization and Energy Transition.

  

Within ITC we aim to cover the entire cycle of Disasters:

  • Hazards: spatial modelling of multi-hazards and consequences of extreme weather events
    PhD research: hazards (floods, landslides, earthquakes) and drought
  • Risk: spatial multi hazard risk assessment, scenario development.
    PhD research: risk
  • Post disaster reconstruction, Planning and governance: collaborative decision making, scenario development, resettlement, urban growth modeling”
    PhDs research disasters

Disaster related research themes at ITC

Disaster related research and education at ITC can be found in the following research programmes:

  • Disaster Risk Management and Reduction: is done here
  • Food security: is done here
  • Governance and empowerment: is done here
  • Urbanization and smart cities: is done here

Disaster related education

View all programmes
  • Geo-information Science & Earth Observation

    Contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing challenges by mastering the acquisition, analysis, and processing of geo-information data.
    5 SpecialisationsMaster of Science2 yearsFull-time100% English-taught3 Joint programmes

    Disaster Resilience

    Focus on disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and resilience - especially in the context of climate change.
    MSc2 Joint programmes

    Free specialisation

    The Free specialisation is designed for students who would like a bit more flexibility. You can create your own learning pathway to achieve your career goals with the help of an adviser.
    MSc

    Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI)

    Harnessing the power of technology to automate the analysis and interpretation of large and complex spatial datasets like satellite images, UAV data, and local sensor data.
    MSc3 Joint programmes

    Resources Security

    Gain knowledge and skills in quantitative remote sensing to map, model, monitor and manage water, earth and natural resources through an interdisciplinary approach.
    MSc2 Joint programmes

    Urban and Land Futures

    Learn to tackle social, environmental, economic, and land tenure challenges in urban and regional areas.
    MSc2 Joint programmes
  • Spatial Systems & Society

    Natural disasters, poverty, food shortages, epidemics, and climate change: learn to tackle society’s complex challenges through urban planning, socio-economic insights and spatial data.
    Master of Science2 yearsFull-time100% English-taught
  • Advanced ENVI for GEOINT

    This course is designed to follow ENVI Basics for GEOINT, transitioning users from fundamental tasks to complex, high-level analysis of complex, high-resolution, and multi-modal imagery.
    Massive open online course27 hours100% English-taught
  • UAV Advanced Mission Planning and Data Acquisition

    Master precision UAV flight planning for agriculture and beyond. Learn to optimize flight missions over complex terrain and capture consistent quality data.
    Massive open online course8 hours100% English-taught
  • ENVI Basics for GEOINT

    Across 12 modules, remote sensing specialists learn ENVI through applied scenarios, building value-added products that support tactical operations and activity-based intelligence.
    Massive open online course26 hours100% English-taught
  • Geo-information Science & Earth Observation (Postgraduate diploma)

    Unlock Global Solutions with a Postgraduate Diploma in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation
    5 SpecialisationsPostgraduate diploma1 year100% English-taught

    Disaster Resilience

    Focus on disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and resilience - especially in the context of climate change
    certificate

    Free specialisation

    The Free specialisation is designed for students who would like a bit more flexibility. You can create your own learning pathway to achieve your career goals with the help of an adviser.
    certificate

    Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI)

    Transform your understanding of geospatial data with artificial intelligence.
    certificate

    Resources Security

    Empower your career in sustainable resource management
    certificate

    Urban and Land Futures

    Learn to tackle social, environmental, economic, and land tenure challenges in urban and regional areas.
    certificate
  • Holistic Decision Making for Disaster Reconstruction

    Gain a holistic understanding of key decision-making factors influencing disaster resilience of housing and settlements with academic and humanitarian sector experts.
    Massive open online course4 hours100% English-taught
  • Introduction to Spectral Remote Sensing

    The Introduction to Spectral Remote Sensing learning path is designed to expose learners to the common applications of spectral analysis. It focuses on illustrating concepts using ENVI software.
    Massive open online course30 hours100% English-taught

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