Total study time: 24 hours
How can subsurface data help you make better decisions? In this one-on-one blended learning course, you’ll learn to collect, process, and analyze data from the Dutch Basisregistratie Ondergrond (BRO)—the Key Register of the Subsurface. While the Dutch system is the case study, the course can be adapted to similar systems in other countries. With expert guidance and hands-on tasks, you’ll build the skills to improve soil management and support smarter environmental policy.
The Dutch Basisregistratie Ondergrond (BRO)—the Key Register of the Subsurface, is a national database that stores all official information about the Dutch subsurface. It’s a vital resource for professionals working with geospatial data, geo-ICT, and soil research.
Starting in 2025, the BRO will include data on environmental quality—adding chemical soil surveys that show the composition of the soil. This new layer of information will make the BRO even more valuable for environmental protection and land management.
These insights reveal risks related to soil pollution, public health, and natural ecosystems. That’s why municipalities, water boards, consultants, and contractors rely on BRO data to guide land use and spatial planning.
In this course, you’ll learn how to apply BRO data to your daily work. You’ll review the relevant laws and regulations and discover how to use subsurface and geospatial data to solve practical challenges in your field.
This course is designed for BRO data providers, environmental professionals, BIS staff, and geo-ICT specialists working with subsurface data. It gives you the core knowledge and skills to use the BRO effectively—and responsibly.
You’ll learn what data must be registered and why it matters for soil and environmental quality. You’ll also explore the roles of data owners, chain partners, and how collaboration keeps the BRO accurate and up to date.
Next, you’ll learn how to carry out and document soil surveys according to BRO standards. You’ll use geospatial data to support this process and analyze it with tools like QGIS. These skills are key for shaping policy and improving data quality.
Finally, you’ll see how BRO data supports policy, permitting, and land-use planning. You’ll understand its role in sustainable decision-making—and how similar systems can be used in your own country.
Blended learning gives you the best of both worlds—live interaction and flexible, self-paced study—so you can build job-ready skills in subsurface data and geospatial analysis.
In this course, you’ll work hands-on with real BRO datasets and apply them to real-world challenges in land management, policy-making, and spatial planning.
While the Dutch BRO is the primary case study, the tools, workflows, and skills you’ll learn are fully transferable to subsurface data systems used in other countries.
We start with a live session where you’ll jump right into current BRO data. With help from experienced geo-ICT trainers, you’ll learn how to collect, register, and validate subsurface data. You’ll also create reports that support soil monitoring, permits, and sustainable planning.
Then, our self-paced modules let you explore at your own speed. You’ll cover the structure of the BRO, its data standards, and how to connect it to key registers like BAG. You’ll use QGIS and similar tools to analyze and visualize data for real-life cases.
In a second live session, you’ll put your new knowledge into practice. You’ll refine your workflows, solve real challenges, and receive expert feedback as you build maps and reports that reflect your day-to-day work.
One of the course’s biggest strengths is its case-based approach. You’ll work through scenarios that mirror real-world tasks in soil and environmental projects—giving you outputs that are not just relevant, but ready to use.
By combining expert-led training with flexible learning, this course goes beyond theory.
You won’t just understand the BRO—you’ll know how to use it to improve decision-making, strengthen data quality, and make a real impact in your role.
After completing this course, you’ll be able to:
Do you have questions about the course content? Not sure if the course aligns with your learning objectives? Or would you prefer a private session or in-company training? We’re happy to assist—feel free to get in touch.
We aim to make our courses accessible to as many people as possible. If the course fee is a concern, instead of registering directly, you can indicate on the registration form that you’d like to receive a quote tailored to your needs. In many cases, we can offer flexible solutions. For instance, we can adjust the course content for large groups, shorten the course based on existing knowledge, or offer daily rates to suit your requirements.
Yes, you can reach out to the instructor with questions for up to 2 weeks after the course. Since the instructor is likely teaching other courses, we recommend emailing your questions to info@geo-ict.com. We’ll forward your inquiry to the instructor, and you’ll receive a response within 24 hours. After the 2-week period, we recommend using our Personalized Online Support for continued assistance.
Yes, we offer on-site training regularly throughout the Netherlands. Our instructor will bring laptops for the participants, and all you need to do is arrange a suitable room at your location.
Please send your requirements to info@geo-ict.com, and we will provide a customized quote, which will include travel and accommodation costs. Once the quote is confirmed, our course coordinator will reach out to schedule the training days.
After each course, participants receive a link to our evaluation portal where you can share your feedback on what you liked and didn’t like. We strive to provide a great experience for all our participants, but if you have a complaint, please click on ‘Complaints Procedure’ in the portal. This document will guide you through the steps to take. Geo-ICT Training Center, Netherlands, is a member of the Dutch Council for Training and Education (NRTO), ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Courses are typically scheduled according to the Dutch time zone, with sessions running from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For participants in different time zones, we adjust the course times in consultation with you.