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Testerep

The Flemish coast has a long and complex history. The modern landscape is the result of the interaction between both natural processes and human interventions. Although research into the history of this region has already provided us with a lot of information, many detailed questions still remain, for example, exactly how the coastline evolved over the past 5000 years. The Testerep project runs from 2021 until 2025.
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The main objective of the Testerep project is studying the evolution and eventual demise of the Testerep peninsula over the past 5,000 years. To this end, researchers from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) and KU Leuven will supplement existing data on old natural (e.g. tidal gullies) and human (e.g. dikes) landscape features with both new terrestrial and marine data

With the use of a wide variety of techniques, including LiDAR, seismic, magnetic and EMI surveys, coring, excavating and sampling for pollen, 14C and OSL, they will acquire new data across the land-sea boundary.

All existing and new data will be integrated in a GIS database and analyzed using morphological and hydrodynamic models. The final output will consist of palaeogeographic maps, advanced 3D reconstructions and interactive 3D simulations of, among other things, the formation of the peninsula and the effect of the closure of the Testerep channel on sediment transport along the coast, its vulnerability to storm erosion and recovery.

Visit the Testerep project website here:

testerep-project.be

LATEST USE CASES

Interactive overview: Oostende Move
This is a proof of concept game that briefly shows how Ostend moved over the years. The geographical data do not really match the effective results.
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3 Stills: The destruction, reconstruction and revival of Oostende
In this video we show how we went about creating the 3 stills about the destruction, reconstruction and revival of Ostend. For this we use a number of software packages and techniques.
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Testerep experiments
In this video we compiled several experiments leading up to the Testerep expo (21/12/2024). These experiments vary from simulations to abstract visualisations, to realistic interpretations.
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BLOG POSTS

Testerep on regional tv
We’re proud to share that our recent work on the historical reconstruction of Testerep , the now-vanished island off the Belgian coast, was recently featured on national television.
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RELATED EVENTS

RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions on Blue Economy at IPLeiria

25/05/2026
– 31/05/2026
Peniche, Portugal
Visit event website
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions on Blue Economy will take place in Peniche, Portugal, from 26–29 May 2026, hosted by IPLeiria’s School of Tourism and Maritime Technology (ESTM). The event supports RUN-EU’s goal of strengthening the role of European universities in regional development by connecting research, innovation, sustainability, tourism, and public policy. Focused on the Blue Economy, the event will bring together policymakers, universities, researchers, businesses, entrepreneurs, and regional stakeholders to explore how innovation can support more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive regional growth. Positioned as a living laboratory for blue innovation, Peniche showcases the connection between marine resources, tourism, scientific knowledge, local communities, and sustainable development. The region’s links to the Berlengas Biosphere Reserve, fishing traditions, and emerging blue economy ecosystems highlight its role as a growing hub for sustainable coastal innovation. The programme will run alongside the RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium, the Conference on Blue Economy, and the Peniche Biennial of the Sea, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and regional impact.

Tussen Land en Zee. Leven aan de kust vroeger, nu en morgen

29/05/2026
– 15/11/2026
Wilskerke (Middelkerke) – Sint-Gulielmuskerk – van 29/05 tot 30/08/2026 & Raversyde (Oostende) – Provinciedomein Atlantikwall Raversyde – van 05/09 tot 15/11/2026
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Reizende expo De Belgische kust is het resultaat van duizenden jaren landschapsverandering. Wat vandaag een vaste kustlijn lijkt, was ooit een mozaïek van eilanden, geulen, slikken, schorren en veenmoerassen. Zee en land verlegden hier voortdurend hun grenzen, onder invloed van getijden, stormen, zeespiegelstijging én menselijk ingrijpen. De tentoonstelling “Tussen Land en Zee” verkent hoe dat dynamische kustlandschap 12.000 jaar geleden ontstond en telkens opnieuw werd hertekend. Het TESTEREP-project vormt daarbij het vertrekpunt. Via het verdwenen eiland Testerep – dat zich tot in de middeleeuwen uitstrekte tussen Westende en Oostende – maken we veranderingen in het kustlandschap zichtbaar.

Testerep Closing Event

05/11/2025
SILT Middelkerke, Belgium
The TESTEREP Closing Conference is a multidisciplinary event held at Silt Middelkerke, marking the conclusion of a multi-year research project into the lost island of Testerep. The conference brings together scientists, archaeologists, coastal researchers, and digital media specialists to present new insights into the region’s ancient coastal landscapes and how they evolved over time.
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