Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC)

The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation using remote sensing and GIS. The aim of ITC's activities is the international exchange of knowledge, focusing on capacity building and institutional development in developing countries and emerging economies. One of mankind's greatest challenges is to achieve an appropriate balance between developing natural resources and maintaining an optimal natural environment. To meet this challenge, people need detailed and reliable geo-information and geo-information management tools. At the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente, knowledge of geo-information management is readily available and is continually being developed and extended. By means of postgraduate education, research and project services, they contribute to capacity building in developing countries and emerging economies. In doing so, considerable attention is paid to the development and application of geographical information systems (GIS) for solving problems. Such problems can range from determining the risks of landslides, mapping forest fires, planning urban infrastructure, and implementing land administration systems, to designing a good wildlife management system or detecting environmental pollution. The key words characterising their activities are geo-information management, worldwide and innovative. They concentrate on earth observation, the generation of spatial information, and the development of data integration methods. Furthermore, they provide tools that can support the processes of planning and decision making for sustainable development and the alleviation of poverty in developing countries and emerging economies.