Geo-information Science and Earth Observation

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 20.7 k  
201–250 place StudyQA ranking:5010 Duration:18 months

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Between 60 to 80 percent of all political, economic and private decisions are space oriented. Are you keen to explore how geo-information can help you to make better decisions in every field?

Geo-information is a rapidly growing industry worldwide. Geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools can be used for solving real-world problems and complex issues concerning health care, food security, climate, water, urban planning, security and land scarcity. The uses are many and various and to some extent have already unobtrusively entered our daily lives. GIS and remote sensing were traditionally used by governments, ministries, research institutes, provinces and municipalities. In recent years, however, they have expanded to all organizations where spatial information plays an important role - from public service corporations and telecommunications companies to water authorities and retailers. Skilled personnel with the appropriate expertise are needed to effectively manage the information and opportunities provided by these new technologies. A degree in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation enables you to put your skills and expertise to excellent use.

Programme internationalization:



This programme consists of 25% distance learning


This programme has a workload of 118 ECTS.


Specialities:
Applied Earth Sciences - Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Management:

Are you interested in the use of spatial information for effective disaster risk management? Than this masters course in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for Applied Earth Sciences with specialization in Natural Hazards, Risk and Engineering leading to an MSc degree is the course for you! Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme weather events are well-known triggers for natural hazards in many parts of the world. But we are also increasingly affected by the effects of climate change, urbanization, environmental degradation and unsustainable land use practices. Our exposure and vulnerability to landslides, floods, erosion and other natural hazards and the corresponding disaster risk are continuously changing. They also influence the way we try to minimize the possible impact of natural hazards and to reduce risk. For example, what is a good combination of societal adaptation and (geotechnical) mitigation measures?

Geoinformatics:

Geographical and earth sciences are relying increasingly on digital spatial data acquired from remotely sensed images, analysed by geographical information systems (GIS), distributed through complex infrastructures, and visualized on the computer screen or on paper by an ever-increasing variety of users. The technologies supporting these processes form the core of geoinformatics. Technological skills alone, however, are not sufficient for organizations involved in the production and management of such geo-information. Owing to the rapid changes and developments in geo-information acquisition, analysis and dissemination, these organizations require scientific staff that can keep pace with and validate the relevancy of such developments, design new systems and infrastructures, and explore new-edge technology for efficient and effective implementation.

Land Administration:

Land is at the basis of all societies. Land policy regulates the access to land and the management of land. A sound land policy is a critical success factor in economic growth, food security, nature conservation, the protection of vulnerable groups, poverty reduction and housing. Land policy and land policy instruments determine how a government can provide access to land, offer tenure security, regulate the land market, implement land reform, protect the environment, and levy land taxes. Such tasks become even more challenging in post-conflict or post-disaster areas, and where government systems are in transition. Applying relevant principles of business administration and information technology, the course provides theoretical and practical knowledge and expertise in building a viable land administration organization.

Urban Planning and Management:

The magnitude and dynamics of urbanization place an enormous burden on organizations responsible for the planning and management of urban regions. The core objectives of urban planning and management are seen as understanding dynamic urban processes and developing effective interventions that contribute to the sustainability of urban development. Geo-information and geo-information technology play a vital role in supporting these objectives. The MSc degree course in urban planning and management integrate knowledge of and skills in geo-information technology with current themes in the field of urban planning and management. Themes include urban poverty, urban transport, infrastructure and public services, disaster preparedness and mitigation, urban environmental planning, land use and land tenure, participatory GIS, and spatial planning and decision support systems.

Natural Resources Management:

The worlds population is expected to reach nine billion people by the year 2045. Although the majority will live in cities, the demand for food and other resources will nevertheless place unprecedented pressure on the Earths natural environment. Not only increasing population but also growing welfare leads directly, or indirectly, to problems such as deforestation, overgrazing, and the contamination of land and water resources. In recent years, we have become increasingly aware that many environmental issues, such as climate change, transcend national boundaries. As evidenced by the seventh of the UNs Millennium Development Goals, which relates to environmental sustainability, as well as other international agendas and agreements, the management of the Earths natural resources is of concern to us all.

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 worlds 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. 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.

Applied Earth Sciences - Geological Remote Sensing:

Are you interested in the exploration of earth resources to secure our future supplies? Than this masters course in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for Applied Earth Sciences with specialization in Geological Remote Sensing leading to an MSc degree is the course for you! Sustainable use of land and earth resources is a key factor in economic development. We are continually confronted with instances in daily life that have direct links with earth resources and related processes from the buildings in which we live and the food that we eat to the cars that we drive. The search for mineral resources relies on the availability of up-to-date geological knowledge bases, conceptual mineral deposit models and modern exploration technologies. This masters course follows an integrated approach to upgrading geological maps and re-interpreting geological information in a GIS environment, using aerial photographs, satellite imagery and airborne geophysical data. Subsequently, exploration data and deposit concepts are integrated and analysed using GIS and modelling systems to assess mineral resources potential.

Knowledge minimum: Applicants for the Master of Science (MSc) degree 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.Previous education: Applicants for the Master of Science (MSc) degree programme should have a Bachelor degree.Additional language requirements: * IELTS overall band: 6.0 * TOEFL computer based: 213 * TOEFL internet based: 80 * TOEFL paper based: 550 * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: C1 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: C2 English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Are you considering to (further) study at ITC but not yet succeeded to secure funding? Courses offered by ITC are eligible for different scholarships. Start by enquiring at your own Ministry of Education or Department of Education as they may have details of scholarship or bursary opportunities for students wishing to study overseas. In addition the online search engine Grantfinder gives you a complete overview of all scholarships available for studying in Holland.

It is advisable to send out multiple funding applications as soon as possible. Most scholarships require you to complete your application procedures before applying for the scholarship. Because of strict deadlines, make sure you apply for admission at least two months before the scholarship deadline. Application for a scholarship is a procedure totally separate from the application for course entry and is entirely your own responsibility. ITC plays no part in the process of securing a scholarship.

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: The Netherlands

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