Remote Sensing and OSINT Analysis for Human Rights and Humanitarian Applications
This course will provide practical instruction for conducting digital investigations, including analysis of open source and remote sensing data, for practitioners in the human rights and humanitarian sectors. Through this training, attendees will learn how to collect, analyze, and preserve digital data as this information plays an increasingly important role in humanitarian response, visual investigations, human rights investigations, early warning, and legal accountability. The course will be a combination of class instruction, several practical exercises, and a day-long simulation. HRL researchers will serve as instructors for the course.
Skills and topics covered will include remote sensing (including imagery analysis), network analysis, geolocation, chrono-location, open-source data evaluation, data fusion, and evidence preservation.
Attendees are expected to have some background in human rights, humanitarian response, public or global health, international law, public policy or government, national security and disaster response, or other related field; however, extensive prior knowledge of the topics of the course is not assumed. This course is suitable for practitioners at all levels, including early-career practitioners.
The course will be hosted at Yale University’s campus in New Haven, Connecticut. Attendees will be provided with a certificate of participation at the conclusion of the course. Attendance at all sessions of the course is required to receive a certificate. Yale University will not sponsor visas for attendees; attendees will be responsible for securing their own travel and lodging.
This course has been postponed to Spring/Summer 2027. Please stay tuned for further updates.
More information on costs, refund policy, and other requirements can be found in the Course and Application FAQs section below.
Course and Application FAQs
Copy Link
Applications will be reviewed, and decisions will be issued on a rolling basis until the course is full. Applicants may be waitlisted and offered a place in the course if a place becomes available.
- What does this course cost? Are there any other fees or deposits required?
The total cost of the program is $5,000 USD, inclusive of a $1,500 seat deposit. Full payment is due no later than 3 weeks prior to the start of the course.
- Is this course offered online?
No, this course is currently only offered as an in-person course.
- What is the refund policy for this course?
Refunds will be issued to applicants who accept their offer but then are unable to acquire required visas or other travel documents needed to travel to the course. Proof of inability to secure required travel authorization must be submitted to HRL for the refund to be issued. You can find more information on applying for a visa at Yale’s Office of International Students and Scholars website and the U.S. State Department website.
- Once I have submitted an application, how long should I expect to wait before I receive a decision from HRL on my application?
Applications are reviewed and decisions are issued to applicants on a rolling basis. All decisions will be issued no later than three weeks prior to the start of the course so that applicants have time to secure any necessary travel documents, lodging, and transportation. Inquiries about the status of your application may be directed to hrl@yale.edu.
- How much prior knowledge do I need for the course?
Attendees are expected to have some background in human rights, humanitarian response, public or global health, international law, public policy or government, national security and disaster response, or other related field; however, extensive prior knowledge of the topics of the course is not assumed. This course is suitable for practitioners at all levels, including early-career practitioners.
- What do I need to bring for the course?
Attendees will need to bring a laptop. If accepted to the course, HRL will provide further information on any programs or applications that may be required to be installed. HRL will not require installation or use of any paid software programs or applications and seeks to minimize the number of technological requirements for the course.
- What type of lodging should I secure for the course?
HRL does not provide lodging/accommodation for the course. Attendees will be responsible for securing their own lodging. We suggest that attendees seek lodging within downtown New Haven due to the high number of hotels in the downtown area and the proximity to Yale University’s campus. Most of the area around Yale’s campus is easily walkable. There are also a campus shuttle system and ride-share services available in and around New Haven.
- What do I receive for completing the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will receive a certificate of participation. Attendance at all course sessions is required for successful completion of the course. Unexcused absence from any part of the course or insufficient participation in course exercises may result in unsuccessful completion of the course and a certificate of participation not being awarded. Attendees can reach out to HRL staff regarding exigencies that might affect their ability to attend a course session.
- Does this course fulfill continuing education requirements in my field?
You should refer to your organization’s or professional organization’s professional development and/or education guidelines. If requested, HRL will confirm your participation in the course if verification is required for your continuing education credit.
Host a Training Opportunity
If your organization is interested in hosting training adapted to the needs and objectives of your organization, please reach out to our team for more information.