De Vlaamse Waterweg manages a large amount of land in Flanders but lacked a structured system for determining what future land uses were feasible in each location. As a result, questions regarding land use were often answered on an ad-hoc basis, even though Flanders is currently facing major challenges such as climate adaptation, the energy transition and combating land fragmentation. A well-founded and efficient assessment framework was therefore urgently needed.
This study developed such an assessment framework, combining legal and technical requirements with a qualitative assessment of future potential. It took into account De Vlaamse Waterweg’s core tasks, spatial impact and Flemish policy priorities. Based on spatial criteria, VITO, in collaboration with SIGGIS, was able to develop a proof-of-concept GIS tool that systematically evaluates 14 possible land uses.
This initial version of the tool forms the basis for a future comprehensive GIS system that De Vlaamse Waterweg will use to make better spatial decisions. It will help determine where in Flanders there is scope for a particular type of development, and what the optimal use is for each specific site. VITO played a central role in this by developing the spatial decision-making framework and providing the substantive basis for the GIS tool.
