Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the RS modules, you will be able to:

• Select appropriate sensors and image data for geospatial problem solving
• Apply relevant contrast enhancement for visual and digital image analysis
• Apply spatial and temporal filters to improve image data for visual and digital image analysis
• Calculate indices and ratios for digital image analysis
• Apply different strategies for generating training and validation samples for supervised machine learning classifiers
• Apply various feature selection methods for data dimensionality reduction purposes
• Summarize the main multi-temporal image analysis steps
• Apply Random Forest classifier to classify both single-date and multi-temporal images
• Critically interpret the classification results obtained by applying supervised machine learning classifiers

Upon completion of the photogrammetry modules, you will be able to:

• Describe the UAV properties and classifications and distinguish the two main mapping applications
• Describe the sensor system properties, output data quality and applications for EO sensors with a focus on laser scanner and mobile mapping systems
• Explain 3D point cloud properties and data quality generated by a laser scanner, and apply basic processing methods on the 3D point clouds dataset for mapping applications
• Differentiate the quality of the positional control and define appropriate required positional accuracies for various applications
• Design flight planning for a specific application
• Understand image orientation procedures (direct and indirect) with a focus on digital aerial images.
• Apply image orientation procedures, point cloud and orthophoto generation procedures, and feature extraction procedures on drone images using the designated software.
• Process aerial oblique images (image orientation, point cloud, orthophoto generation) using the designated software
• Process the multispectral drone images using the designated software.
• Assess the quality of all the procedures mentioned above and the produced data.

Entry requirements

Academic level and background

Applicants for the Certificate programme should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university in a discipline related to the course, preferably combined with working experience in a relevant field.

Some courses in the Certificate programme or separate modules require knowledge of, and skills in, working with GIS and/or digital image processing of remotely sensed data.

Skills in taught or related subjects are a prerequisite for some courses in the Certificate programme or separate modules. Even if the applicant satisfies the overall admission requirements, acceptance is not automatic.

Documentation

The faculty accepts transcripts, degrees and diplomas in the languages: Dutch, English, German, French and Spanish. It is at the discretion of the faculty to require additional English translations of all documents in other languages as well.

Language skills

Success in your studies requires a high level of English proficiency. Therefore, prospective students with an international (other than Dutch) degree must meet the English language requirement. As proof that you meet this requirement, you will be asked in the application procedure to upload one of the requested language certificates:

• IELTS (academic) with an overall band score of at least 6.0 (with a minimum sub-score of 6.0 for speaking and writing) and certificates not older than two years.
• TOEFL iBT (internet-based) with an overall score of 80 (with a minimum sub-score of 20 for speaking) and certificates not older than two years. Please note that the University of Twente does not accept the MyBest scores of the TOEFL test.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced Formerly known as; Cambridge English Advanced (CAE), obtained with an A, B or C grade.
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency Formerly known as; Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) obtained with an A, B or C grade.

Only these internationally recognised test results are accepted. Without a valid certificate, we cannot process your application.

Who is this offered to?

• Staff from government agencies and private companies with practical professional experience in remote sensing and/or photogrammetry and who wish to become familiar with state-of-the-art knowledge and technology.
• GIS specialists who regularly use digitally acquired spatial reference data are interested in the source and accuracy of these data.
• Staff and researchers from non-geo disciplines who want to employ geoinformation in their research or work would also significantly benefit from this course.