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ITC - Geoinformatics (MSc degree)

http://www.itc.nl/Pub/study/Courses/C14-GFM-MSC-01

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Certification Location MSc degree Netherlands

Start 15 Sep 2014

Duration EC 18 months 118

Tuition fee EUR 19839

Registration deadline 01 Jul 2014

NFP registration deadline 04 Feb 2014

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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.

For whom is the course relevant?


The 18-month course, which includes a strong research component, leads to an MSc degree. This course is designed for research and development staff at national mapping agencies and other organizations dealing with geo-information, as well as for university staff (Bachelor level) pursuing an academic career.

What is the course content?


The course contains four major blocks that cover different topics from the geospatial data handling process spectrum, ranging from core principles to disciplinary research topics. Block Modules Core modules In this block, an overview will be presented of system Earth with its various cycles, as well as the basics and application of GIS and earth observation methods to describe and analyse this system. The specific role of the user will also be presented. Furthermore, attention will be paid to acquiring operational skills in the use of GIS and earth observation software for the acquisition, analysis and visualization of geospatial data. Thematic modules building from the core principles to basic geoinformatics science. Topics dealt with include principles of databases, programming, design and optimization of geodata processing, image processing techniques and spatial data quality, geo-information sharing and distribution, web technology for GIS and mapping, and visualization and distribution of geospatial data. Research orientation modules (covering such topics as research skills and research proposal writing) and coherent disciplinary modules (deepening the knowledge and skills in user selectable profiles). The emphasis is on the contribution of geoinformatics to multidisciplinary problem-solving projects in such fields as disaster management, urban infrastructure, land subsidence and biodiversity. Topics dealt with include spatio-temporal data analysis, automating information extraction, spatial data infrastructure technology, and multidisciplinary project work. Execution of individual research and preparation of an MSc thesis

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ITC - Geoinformatics (MSc degree)

http://www.itc.nl/Pub/study/Courses/C14-GFM-MSC-01

What will be achieved?


The goal of the MSc degree course is to develop a critical understanding of, and competence in, geo-information science, and to develop capabilities for designing systems and tools for the acquisition, processing, transformation, analysis, storage, presentation and use of geo-information. Participants will thus acquire the skills to design and undertake research and development projects in various fields of geoinformatics, as well as become key players in multidisciplinary research and development projects.

Why choose this course?


If your interest goes beyond existing technology and you want to know and influence what lies behind it, as well as research and design cutting-edge solutions, this course is for you. The programming and research skills acquired during the course, together with the personal attitude developed, will prepare you for any upcoming challenge in geoinformatics or the geo-information disciplinary field that you are likely to meet in your work.

Admission requirements
Academic level and background 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. 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. TOEFL Paper-based Test (PBT) 550 TOEFL Internet-based Test British Council / IELTS Cambridge 79-80 6.0 CPE/CAE

Computer skills Although introductory lessons on computer skills are scheduled in the Master of Science (MSc) degree 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 ITCs requirements. When you bring your own notebook, you need to run an online test and have your notebook registered so that you will know that the notebook meets the requirements and that it can be used in the ITC course. Check and register here when you are an admitted candidate and have the reference code from the invoice at hand (this is in your e-mail and/or can be obtained again through ITCs application system daf.itc.nl). Support will be optimized and prioritized for registered notebooks, it might not be possible to use non-registered notebooks. 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 Minimum Recommended

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ITC - Geoinformatics (MSc degree)

http://www.itc.nl/Pub/study/Courses/C14-GFM-MSC-01

Minimum Operating system Memory Disk storage Screen Processor Network Mouse Software

Recommended

Windows 7 32 bit English Windows 7 64 bit English (Home premium, Ultimate, Pro, Enterprise) (Home premium, Ultimate, Pro, Enterprise) 3 GB 80 GB free disk space 15 inch, 1366 x 768 Intel Core i3 Processor or equivalent (e.g. AMD) Wireless (Wi-Fi) and Ethernet LAN Separate mouse with left/right click and center wheel Microsoft Office 2010 4 GB (Minimum) (Minimum) (Minimum) (Minimum) (Minimum) (Minimum)

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 DVDs 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.

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