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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.
Leffinge 300dpi_Upscaled

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

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.

Brussels Houdini User Group Meetup

27/02/2025
Kortrijk
The Brussels Houdini User Group (BruHUG) is a community for people interested in the procedural 3D software Houdini. The group welcomes users of all skill levels, from experts to beginners. Its members include visual effects artists, animators, game developers, modellers, VR creators, and motion graphics artists. While the primary focus is on Houdini, discussions also encompass related 3D software and game engine tools.

TESTEREP en het verzonken Oostende

21/12/2024
– 20/04/2025
Venetiaanse gaanderijen, Oostende, Belgium
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The trading city of Ostend once flourished at the eastern end of ‘Testerep’. But in 1394 disaster struck: the Saint Vincent storm destroyed the city, which disappeared into the water. The old city comes alive before your eyes through striking visualizations. This exhibition tells the story of survival and reconstruction, and how the dynamics of the sea have shaped lives on our coast over the centuries. Go back in time and be amazed by historical artifacts and innovative soil scans. Isabella and Willem, residents of old Ostend, take the youngest visitors in tow in an exciting escape game. You can also help build a LEGO model of old Ostend. A science exhibition for young and old, where experience is central.
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