Discover how to digitally map and manage underground cables and pipelines using geospatial data, 3D models and modern surveying technologies.
Subsurface Infrastructure Engineering & Data Management focuses on the engineering and management of underground cables, pipelines and utility networks. These networks are ageing, while smart infrastructure, urban development and the energy transition place increasing demands on the limited space below ground.
In this course, you learn how underground utilities can be located, mapped, modelled and assessed. You work with technologies for utility surveys, geospatial data models, 3D visualisation and condition assessment. The course also addresses the fragmented organisation of the utility sector and the challenges of coordinating network owners, contractors and municipalities. You learn how reliable data and technology can support maintenance, construction planning and safer excavation.
Reliable underground infrastructure is essential for energy, water, telecommunications and other urban services. However, information about underground networks is often incomplete, outdated or distributed across different organisations. This makes it difficult to coordinate roadworks, maintain ageing networks and prevent damage during excavation.
Digitalisation offers opportunities to locate, map and manage underground infrastructure more effectively. At the same time, improvements require cooperation between network owners, contractors, municipalities and technology providers. Professionals therefore need to understand both the technical possibilities and the organisational context of subsurface infrastructure management.
This regular master’s course is open to both students and professionals. It combines interactive lectures, tutorials, exercises with software, guest lectures, fieldwork and challenge-based learning. The course is primarily offered on campus.
During the fieldwork, participants practice locating and mapping underground infrastructure. They work with technologies such as a ground radar and other non-destructive detection methods. Participants then develop and use geospatial data models to support knowledge about infrastructure maintenance.
The final three to four weeks focus on a project related to a societal issue, such as the energy transition. Participants analyse the challenge from both technical and organisational perspectives. A suitable problem from a participant’s organisation may be used for this project. Guest lecturers and the involvement of the Municipality of Enschede connect the course content to professional practice.
Details and assessment:
This course is intended for professionals involved in planning, engineering, constructing, maintaining or managing underground infrastructure. Typical profiles include, but are not limited to, civil engineers, utility engineers, asset managers, GIS specialists, data managers, contractors, municipal advisors and professionals working for network operators or public authorities.
A bachelor-level background in Civil Engineering or a related technical field is recommended. Basic knowledge of physics is helpful. Familiarity with Building Information Modelling, modelling or geospatial data is useful but not required.
Start date: April (Q4)
Total duration: April until July (excluding resits) (140 hour study load)
Number of teaching days/sessions: Approximately two sessions per week, including lectures, tutorials, software exercises, guest lectures, fieldwork and group work
Total programme fee: €2067.15 (5 ECTS × €413.43 per ECTS)
Programme type: Master course
Location: University of Twente, Enschede, NL
Language of instruction: English
Admission requirements: A bachelor-level background in Civil Engineering or a related technical field is recommended. Basic knowledge of physics is helpful. Familiarity with Building Information Modelling, object-oriented modelling or geospatial data is useful but not required.