Earth observation knowledge transfer : the example of ITC's coalfire project

For over 50 years, the ITC has practiced knowledge transfer of geoinformation and earth observation technology and applications by means of education and training, joint applied research, and in the form of institutional support projects. This paper describes the methods and results of earth observation knowledge transfer for ITC’s project on the detection, measurement, monitoring and management of underground coal fires. The following phases of the knowledge transfer process are described in this paper: • Knowledge transfer inside ITC, to tap the expertise in the different departments, and to build up the research team. • Knowledge transfer inside the Netherlands, to access expertise not available within ITC, but required to solve the problem. This is done through ITC’s network of Dutch Universities, research institutes and private sector. • Knowledge transfer internationally, from experts in other countries with similar problems, or with expertise in tackling the problem, as well as knowledge transfer within the recipient partner organizations in the developing country. • Education and training of researchers, professionals, managers, etc., at all levels, from short management workshops/seminars to MSc and PhD studies, as well as Post Doctoral and visiting scholar schemes. • Publication and promotion of the results via scientific papers in refereed journals, at international conferences, in professional and popular magazines and newsletters, as well as via the media, in terms of local, national, and international newspapers, radio and TV-interviews, and TV-documentaries. The above phases and activities then result in additional funding from other donors, and as the remote sensing research results in more and more practical benefits, a critical mass of expertise is built up in the country to ensure the knowledge transfer is sustainable in the long term. Furthermore, this knowledge transfer approach of applied earth observation also results in many spin-off benefits to other applications and transfer of the developed methodologies to other important problems in developing countries. The paper is illustrated by ITC’s 15 year coal fire project in China.