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, we need detailed and reliable geo-information and geo-information management tools.

At ITC, knowledge of geo-information management is readily available and is continually being developed and extended. By means of postgraduate education, research and project services, we contribute to capacity building in countries that are economically and/or technologically less advanced. 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 our activities are geo-information management, worldwide and innovative. We concentrate on earth observation, the generation of spatial information, and the development of data integration methods. Furthermore, we 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.

Research

The research programme of ITC develops cutting-edge knowledge and innovative approaches in geo-information science and earth observation. The programme addresses applications of geospatial data for space and resource management and provision of geospatial data for the user community, and is embedded in the national, European and world-wide academic networks.

Education

More than 19,000 course participants from over 170 countries have followed ITC courses since 1950. With more than 55 years of extensive experience and a dedicated scientific staff with a range of expertise, ITC is one of the world's foremost professional training establishments in the field of geo-information science and earth observation.

Project services

ITC carries out a number of research and education projects in countries that are economically and/or technologically less advanced and countries in transition. Most of these projects focus on institutional development and capacity building. Projects often strengthen the ties with ITC alumni and their organisations. Facilitating strategic partnerships for the globalisation of education is one of the goals of ITC's project services.

For detailed information please visit our website at: www.itc.nl