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CourseInsurance, Risk & Actuarial Data Applications open

Course in Catastrophe Modelling with Satellite Data

Online 300-hour course in catastrophe modelling with satellite data. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2021/696 (Union Space Programme, Copernicus), Directive 2007/2/EC (INSPIRE) and Google Earth Engine. Dedicated tutor assigned and enrolment open.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the applications of Earth observation in insurance.

02

Process optical and radar imagery for event analysis.

03

Build georeferenced exposure and vulnerability databases.

04

Integrate satellite data into catastrophe models.

05

Validate results against observed losses.

06

Manage data quality, metadata and data licensing.

07

Develop a rapid damage assessment case following an event.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Earth observation analyst looking to specialise in Catastrophe Modelling with Satellite Data.
  • Catastrophe modeller looking to specialise in Catastrophe Modelling with Satellite Data.
  • Geospatial data scientist looking to specialise in Catastrophe Modelling with Satellite Data.
  • Accumulation analyst looking to specialise in Catastrophe Modelling with Satellite Data.
  • Large loss adjuster looking to specialise in Catastrophe Modelling with Satellite Data.
  • Climate risk consultant looking to specialise in Catastrophe Modelling with Satellite Data.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the reinsurance sector.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) 2021/696 (Union Space Programme, Copernicus)
  • Directive 2007/2/EC (INSPIRE)
  • ISO 19115-1 (geographic metadata)
  • ISO 19157 (geographic data quality)
  • Directive 2007/60/EC (floods)
  • Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35 (catastrophe risk)
  • Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Types of satellite and orbit
  2. 1.2Optical, radar and thermal sensors
  3. 1.3Spatial, temporal and spectral resolution
  4. 1.4Public programmes and open data
  5. 1.5Commercial imagery providers
  6. 1.6Costs and usage licences
  7. 1.7Field vocabulary and acronyms
  8. 1.8Use cases in insurance and reinsurance
  9. 1.9Limitations of satellite observation
  10. 1.10Exercise: choosing the right source for a case
  1. 2.1Pre-processing and corrections
  2. 2.2Band composites and indices
  3. 2.3Change detection between dates
  4. 2.4Land cover classification
  5. 2.5Interferometry and displacement detection
  6. 2.6Water and flood detection
  7. 2.7Burn scar detection
  8. 2.8Clouds and their effect on availability
  9. 2.9Validation with field data
  10. 2.10Practical: detecting a flooded area
  1. 3.1Building exposure databases
  2. 3.2Identifying buildings and infrastructure
  3. 3.3Estimating height and construction type
  4. 3.4Mapping portfolio assets
  5. 3.5Geocoding and its quality
  6. 3.6Periodic updating of exposure
  7. 3.7Areas without data and how to handle them
  8. 3.8Data protection and limits of use
  9. 3.9Integration with the insurer's portfolio
  10. 3.10Practical: improving the exposure of a portfolio
  1. 4.1The role of satellite in the hazard module
  2. 4.2Calibrating models with observed events
  3. 4.3Rapid estimation of event footprint
  4. 4.4Preliminary losses following an event
  5. 4.5Satellite-based parametric triggers
  6. 4.6Basis risk and its control
  7. 4.7Validating claims with imagery
  8. 4.8Accumulation monitoring
  9. 4.9Uncertainty in derived products
  10. 4.10Practical: event footprint and estimated losses
  1. 5.1Operational workflow following an event
  2. 5.2Agreements with data providers
  3. 5.3In-house capabilities versus external service
  4. 5.4Independent verification of results
  5. 5.5Communicating results to management
  6. 5.6Use in claims management
  7. 5.7Limits of use with the policyholder
  8. 5.8Transparency and explainability
  9. 5.9Cost and return on the programme
  10. 5.10Practical: operational protocol following an event
  1. 6.1Choosing the hazard and the portfolio
  2. 6.2Selecting satellite sources
  3. 6.3Image processing workflow
  4. 6.4Improving the exposure database
  5. 6.5Estimating footprint and losses
  6. 6.6Validation and uncertainty analysis
  7. 6.7Proposed operational protocol
  8. 6.8Cost and return analysis
  9. 6.9Methodology report
  10. 6.10Project defence
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it easy to combine with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Google Earth Engine, ESA SNAP, QGIS, Python (rasterio), Oasis LMF, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case studies are based on real procedures for delineating flood footprints with Sentinel-1, mapping insured exposure, and validating models against historical events. Assessment is continuous across modules, plus a final integrative project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with track records in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Choosing the hazard and the portfolio

Explain the applications of Earth observation in insurance.

Selecting satellite sources

Process optical and radar imagery for event analysis.

Image processing workflow

Build georeferenced exposure and vulnerability databases.

Improving the exposure database

Integrate satellite data into catastrophe models.

Estimating footprint and losses

Validate results against observed losses.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Earth observation analystCatastrophe modellerGeospatial data scientistAccumulation analystLarge loss adjusterClimate risk consultant
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

The course works with Google Earth Engine, ESA SNAP, QGIS, Python (rasterio) and Oasis LMF. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

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