1 Postdoctoral Research position in Scaled-up, Semi-Automated, Cadastral Parcel Extraction - Using High Resolution Satellite Imagery in Netherlands | University of Twente

It is estimated that 70% (4 billion) of the world’s land rights are neither mapped nor adequately secured. There is growing agreement that faster, cheaper, or more fit-for-purpose techniques are needed to expedite the cadastral coverage – and support delivery of sustainable land governance.

The position enables the exploration and evaluation of techniques for automatically and/or semi-automatically detecting and extracting visible cadastral boundaries. Emphasis is placed on: 1) determining the most suitable technical approach for national and regional scaled application – in a range of contexts; 2) using available repositories of high-resolution satellite imagery; and 3) incorporating policy, legal, economic and institutional aspects into the analysis. The work requires is socio-technical in nature: assessment and potential adaptation of algorithms, software, and processing methods will be undertaken – as will analysis of contextual issues and practical realities for implementing the approaches at scale.

The post offers interaction with 2 PhDs working on similar topics in a recently awarded EC H2020 research grant, and also collaboration with expertise from Kadaster International (KI). The position will develop technical land administration capacity and knowledge within the School for Land Administration Studies, jointly managed by ITC’s PGM Department and Kadaster International. Other individual activities and expertise development will be coordinated with the responsible Professor.

Requirements

You must hold a PhD degree in the broad area of geomatics, and may have specialization in land administration, geoinformatics, photogrammetry or remote sensing. A background in programming is seen as advantageous – as is some affinity with mixed methods or qualitative research. You require good interpersonal skills as interactions with the commercial sector, donor organizations, international agencies, and public sector agencies are foreseen. Contributions to education in ITC courses may be required.

Conditions of employment

We offer a position in an inspiring and challenging international environment. The position will initially run for 2 years. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO-NU) for Dutch Universities. Gross monthly salary depends on experience and qualifications, and ranges from € 2532,- to € 3997,- exclusive of allowances in accordance with the job profile Researcher 4, under the University System for Job Classification (UJC). If appropriate conditions are met, costs for moving to Enschede may be reimbursed.

Organisation

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over six faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.

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.