Institute for Social and Economic Geography

Completed projects

Status: public -- Last revision: 26 october 2000 -- Expiration date: 31 December 2001

Ethnic minorities

Duality of the society

Urban geography

Urban tourism

Education and geography

Social geography

Economic geography

Various

Ethnic minorities

Description:
Production of a census monograph on ethnic minorities, with a description and explanations of the spatial distribution of the main foreign nationalities in the Belgian urban regions and with an explanation of the changes in the distribution pattern between 1981 and 1991 in the Brussels urban region.

Orderer:
Diensten van de Eerste Minister, wetenschappelijke, technische en culturele aangelegenheden (DWTC)

Supervisor: C. Kesteloot
Researchers: G. Juchtmans, T. Roesems, K. Peleman, H. Vandenbroecke

Duration: 1995-1997

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The housing conditions of ethnic minorities in Flanders (3E970008)

Description:
The aim is to map the present-day housing conditions of ethnic minorities in Flanders and to forecast the future trends and problems on the basis of the housing market dynamics, the demographic socio-economic and cultural changes in the population groups concerned and the attitude of the Flemish actors on the housing market towards minorities. Both present-day situations and trends are differentiated for cities and regions with various compositions of ethnic minorities. The research will draw on literature, census results for 1981 and 1991, migration data and interviews of keypersons and 150 households.

Orderer: Vlaamse Gemeenschap

Supervisor: C. Kesteloot
Co-supervisor: A. Martens (Sociologie, K.U.Leuven)
Researcher: H. Vandenbroecke

Duration: 1997-1999

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The housing careers of Turkish immigrants in Belgium

Description:
The housing career of migrants reflects four dimensions of their social integration process in the host society. These dimensions are the labour market, which decides about their income position and consumption level; the housing market, influencing their spatial distribution and therefore their living situation, social relations and access to amenities and services, which mediate their social integration; the attitudes of the host society in its different components; the attitude of the immigrant group towards the host society and towards their own culture and relations. These dimensions are explored with 300 Turkish household interviews in the 5 largest cities and the Limburg mine basin.

Orderer: Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO)

Supervisor: C. Kesteloot

Duration: 1996-1999

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Juveniles and street crime in the city (3H961780)

Description:
The research concerns the relation between socio-economic exclusion in Brussels and the choice of certain youngsters to develop a criminal life-style. This relation between social exclusion and juvenile criminality is investigated considering the socio-spatial structure of the city and its current changes. The research focuses on social exclusion in leisure time, the formation of youth gangs and the recruitment of core youngsters in serious criminality.

Orderer:
Diensten van de Eerste Minister, wetenschappelijke, technische en culturele aangelegenheden (DWTC)

Supervisor: C. Kesteloot
Co-supervisor: Onderzoeksgroep Jeugdcriminaliteit (OGJC) K.U.Leuven (L. Walgrave)
Researcher: P. Mistiaen

Duration: 1996-1999

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Atlas of deprived areas in the Brussels Capital Region (3E970485)

Description:
Production of an atlas of deprived areas in Brussels based on the previous research in the Flemish Community. The atlas will contain relevant comments, a situation of these areas in the social-spatial structure of the urban region and an analysis of their change between 1981 and 1991.

Orderer: Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, V. Anciaux

Supervisor: C. Kesteloot
Researcher: T. Roesems

Duration: finished

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The geography of survival: poor households and theis strategies in an urban and rural context (3E971270)

Supervisor: C. Kesteloot
Mandate: H. Meert

Description:
This research focussed on daily living conditions of lower income groups (among which the homeless, some asylum seekers and a large group of informal dwellers on campsites and oter recreational infrastructure). Especially the geographical dimension of their survival strategies was studied (in a social-historical perspective), while attention was also paid to relations the dwellers maintained with other inhabitants of the neighbourhoods they stayed in. Mainly qualitative research techniques were used. Initially, the research was based on a DWTC-project (Programma Maatschappelijk Onderzoek - Sociale Ongelijkheid) but it was finished under assistantship at the K.U.Leuven.

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Low-income neighbourhoods: Research on spatial qualities and possibilities for socio-economic integration of local residents (3E980846)

Description:
This research studied the influence of spatial design on the integration of local residents in socio-economic life. Renewing is that the issue was dealt with both from an architectural-urban development as from a socio-economic point of view. By means of two neighbourhood typologies, one with mainly architectural-urban development aspects and the other with socio-economic aspects, the relationship between morphological characteristics of neighbourhoods and socio-economic integration of residents was analysed. This was being done on the basis of the one hand quantitative and typological indicators and on the other hand in-depth interviews with about thirty households in two neighbourhoods. The research resulted in definite policy recommendations that should improve living quality and residents' integration possibilities.

Orderer: Flemisch Community, Programma Beleidsgericht Onderzoek 1997

Supervisor: C. Kesteloot
Co-promotor: H. Meert (ISEG), A. Loeckx (Stad en Architectuur - ASRO KULeuven)
Researcher: H. Vandenbroecke, T. De Rijck

Duration: 1998-1999

Publications:

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Evolution of the functional equipment and relation patterns of the Belgian settlement system (3E910124)

Description:
The evolution of purchase behaviour and the increased mobility have affected on the one hand the functional equipment of the settlement system and on the other hand the importance of the hierarchical levels and through this the limits of the hinterlands. Geographical research on recent evolution trends within the Belgian system yields insight in the systems functioning and gives a scientific framework for theories on services and companies location.

Orderer: Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, (FWO)

Supervisors: E. Van Hecke, H. Van der Haegen & M. Goossens
Researcher: E. Van Hecke

Duration: 1992-1998

Publications:

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Hierarchical structure of towns in Flanders

Description:
As part of the 'Structuurplan Vlaanderen' an adjustment of the urban hierarchy is necessary in order to present actualised material at the end of the public investigation. The study contains a revision of the hierarchy based upon the equipment and the attraction. Several indicators have been used.

Orderer: A.R.O.H.M.

Supervisor: E. Van Hecke
Researcher: E. Van Hecke

Duration: finished

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The 'Rhine-Scheldt' Delta Euregio

Description:
The focus lies on assessing the current process of networking in the perspective of inter- and intra-regional tourism development. The image building of a tourism destination region is at stake in this search for repositioning the RSD region.

Orderer: Provincie Noord-Brabant (Nederland)

Supervisor: M. Jansen-Verbeke
Project-coordinators: Dhr. F. D'Hondt en Mw. A. Boogaart (Strategisch Plan Regio Antwerpen)
Researchers:
Dhr. O. Zwart (Marktplan Adviesgroep-Bussum- Nederland)
E. Lievois

Duration: Finished

Publications: Report:

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Masterplan Ghent: spatial management plan for Recreation (3E980893)

Description:
Analysis of the current recreation pattern in the city of Ghent, in the perspective of 'spatial management' issues. Recommendations for a network structure and reinforcement of recreational clusters.

Orderer: Stad Gent, Dienst Ruimtelijke Ordening

Supervisor: M. Jansen-Verbeke
Co-promotor: D. Vanneste
Researchers: G. Claessens, I. Vertriest (Mens en Ruimte NV Brussel)

Duration: 1998-1999

Publications: Report

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Cultural tourism and urban revitalisation in Flemisch historical cities (3E970009)

Description:
The objective is to identify urban policies, which can optimalize the economic benefits from the development of cultural tourism. In which way can cultural tourism become a real incentive for the development and growth of tourism business and tourism-related enterprises in Flemish historical cities? This implies a systematic and critical analysis of the urban cultural resources, potential carriers of the tourist function and, of the trends and demands in the market of cultural tourism. Synergism between cultural tourism and economic activities depends on the environmental qualities and characteristics, particularly the way in which tourism attractions are physically and functionally embedded in the urban system. Planning concepts such as clustering of the tourist opportunity spectrum and networking are being developed and tested empirically.

Orderer: Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Departement Wetenschap, Innovatie en Media

Supervisor: M. Jansen-Verbeke
Co-supervisor: G. Debrabandere (UFSIA)
Researchers: L. Van Den Bossche (1996-1997), I. Boogaarts (1996-1997), I. Laureyssen (1998-1999), E. Lievois (1999)

Duration: 1996-2000

Publications: lgp11

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The virtual tourist destination. Integrated communication: an innovative strategy in destination marketing and database marketing (3E980845)

Description:
The project proposes a two-way approach to this issue of integrated communication on virtual tourist destinations.
1. An evaluation of the destination marketing with reference to "Flanders" as an aggregated tourist destination and to the distinct products (the Coast, Cities of Arts, Green Flanders, Events) in the perspective of developing a strategic and digital communication with the different markets and agencies.
2. An analysis of the penetration strength and effectivity of the digital communication concerning Flemish destinations on the Dutch market, which is now the prime market for Flanders. Tour operators, travel agents, consumer-organisations, media will be studied in order to assess the actual pull-strength (and the weaknesses) of the virtual destinations and to identify the implications of desintermediation.
The conditions and implications for "database marketing" which is to become the most efficient and cost reducing strategy in future tourism marketing will be studied. Policy recommendations to the public and private agencies involved in the process of destination marketing and in the procedure of database marketing as well as practical recommendations for education and teaching in tourism will be the outcome of this study.

Orderer: Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Administratie Wetenschap en Innovatie

Supervisor: M. Jansen-Verbeke
Co-supervisor: F. Go (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
Researchers: K. Mampaey, J. Minnebo, S. Eggermont, R. Govers

Duration: 18 months (1998-2000)

Publications: lgp 10+report

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Natural Resources Application for Educational Purposes (NATREP)

Description:
Natural resources application for educational purposes (NATREP) is part of the INFO-2000 programme, a multi-annual Community programme. Within the framework of INFO2000, NATREP is aligned with the strategic area for Geographic Information (GI). Specifically, the NATREP project will seek for definition of a multimedia resource suited to the needs of the education sector. Currently, the objectives of this project are targeted to a thorough definition study and the associated prototype development of a CD-ROM based multimedia application. NATREP will house European databases containing considerable amounts of natural resources information, and will bring this information to the education sector.

Partners:
Geographic Information Management: coordinator (Luxemburg)
Photogravure De Schutter
GeoInformation International (U.K.)

Supervisor: E. Van Hecke
Researchers: J. Denies, S. Savenberg, D. Vanderhallen

Duration: Finished

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Location and strategic planning (3E981326)

Description:
Development of modules for interactive self study about GIS via Cd-Rom: partim:
module Digital Terrain Models (Govers)
module Location and strategic spatial planning* (Vanneste)
* Analysis of point patterns (locations of firms, buildings with a specific function etc.) and flows between these points in order to learn how to find centroids, agglomeration values, indices for spatial auto-correlation, etc.

Orderer: Consortium K.U.Leuven – Open Universiteit Nederland

Supervisors: G. Govers, D. Vanneste, P. Coppin
Researcher: T. Roesems

Duration: 1) 1997, 2) 1997-1999

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Interactive selfstudy course Geo Information Systems: a contribution towards a course development process

Description:
After developping of an Introductory Practical on CD-rom about Geographical Information Systems as a Consortium project between K.U.Leuven and Open University of the Netherlands (worked out by G. Govers and D. Vanneste with the collaboration of T. Roesems), time has come to implement the product. One can expect a number of problems in the beginning in spite of a number of tests, the internet-discussion between students must be led, questions of students must be answered by Email, progress of students must be follewed up and assessment must be prepared. Open University of the Netherlands asked K.U.Leuven (Social an Economic Geography) to execute these tasks in first stage of implementation. This was accepted because of the importance for a course development process of full value.

Orderer: Consortium K.U.Leuven – Open Universiteit Nederland

Supervisors: D. Vanneste
Researcher: T. Roesems

Duration: 1/7/1999-15/12/1999

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Educational material and metadata for secundary and higher GIS education (3E980996)

Supervisors: D. Vanneste, Th. Steenberghen

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Atlas of the Population census

Description:
Cartographic representation of the most significant results of the population census, provided by the various authors of the census monographs and production of synthetic maps.

Orderer:
Diensten van de Eerste Minister, wetenschappelijke, technische en culturele aangelegenheden (DWTC)

Supervisors: E. Van Hecke & H. Van der Haegen
Co-supervisor: B. Mérenne (ULg)
Researcher: G. Juchtmans

Duration: Finished

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Housing

Description:
Development and evaluation of the spatial pattern of housing and property from the spatial structure of dwelling characteristics (based on the data of the Housing Census 1991). Emphasis will be laid on a coherent insight and explanation of regional and intra-urban differences in the present housing situation and its spatial evolution since 1981. Therefore, specific methods for geographical analysis will be used.

Orderer:
Diensten van de Eerste Minister, wetenschappelijke, technische en culturele aangelegenheden (DWTC)

Supervisor: D. Vanneste
Co-supervisors: L. Goossens (UFSIA), I. Thomas (UCL)
Researcher: I. Debeer

Duration: 1994-1996

Publications

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Spatial transformation in the post-apartheid era (South Africa) (3E980344)

Description:
The objective of this educational project is to trace and explain relevant spatial transformations induced by the new post-apartheid regime in South Africa. Examples of transformation are studied in an urban and rural context.

Orderer: Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Departement Onderwijs

Supervisor: M. Jansen-Verbeke (ISEG)
Co-Supervisors:
F. Delmartino (Instituut voor Europees Beleid - K.U.Leuven)
D. Vanneste (ISEG)
Partners:
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Stellenbosch (SA)
Department of Geography, University of the Orange Free State (SA)
Researcher:
R. Prinsloo (K.U.Leuven)
P. De Necker (Univ. Stellenbosch, South Africa)
S. Krige (Univ. Oranje Vrijstaat, South Africa)
L. Marais (Univ. Oranje Vrijstaat, South Africa)

Duration: 1998-1999, tests and further elaboration: 2000

Publications: Manual

Website: http://www.kuleuven.ac.be/south_africa (still under construction)

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Environmental analysis - spatial developments (3E990286)

Description:
The study focuses on spatial patterns and processes that are relevant for the Flemish society in order to develop
1) an overview of socio-economic aspects and dimensions translated into a differential spread of phenomena within the Flemish territory and
2) the evolutions and trends for the next decennia.
The patterns are multiple in nature; they may be the expression of housing preferencies or they may determine the mobility of individuals and groups etc. The aim is to split up the complex spatial reality in partial dimensions as to highlight and understand better the close relationship with the functioning and the evolution of social processes.

Orderer: Vlaamse Gemeenschap.

Supervisor: D. Vanneste
Co-supervisors: E. Van Hecke, C. Kesteloot, M. Verbeke, H. Van der Haegen
Researcher: J. Lambrechts

Duration: 1999

Publications:

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History of life and work in the Limburg mining region

Description:
Life and work in the mining region are being analysed in a historical perspective. The objective is to read and interpret the landscape and its spatial structure and organisation from the point of view of the miners' community. The work in the mine, the family and social organisation is situated in a socio geographic framework. Arguments for conservations of cultural and industrial heritage will result from the way the miners evaluate and interpret their physical and social environment.

Orderer: Sociaal Steunfonds van de Mijnwerkers vzw

Supervisors: M. Jansen-Verbeke & C. Kesteloot
Researcher: T. De Rijck

Duration: 1995 - 2000

Publications: lgp9

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Trade atlas of Belgium

Description:
On behalf of the retail trade several components will be spatial represented (in maps): geographical frame, analysis of demand and supply, localisation and typology (characterisation) of trade centres, spheres of influence of cities and trade centres.

Orderer: Ministerie van Economische Zaken en Belgisch Centrum voor Distributie.

Supervisor: E. Van Hecke
Co-supervisor: B. Mérenne (ULg)

Duration: Finished

Publications: boek

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Regional structuring processes and the limits of regional policy (3H942098)

Supervisor: C. Kesteloot
Mandate: P. Cabus

Description:
Analysis of the structuring processes of the regions, of the actual developments in Flanders and confrontation of these results with the relevant policy initiatives.

Publications: doctoraat van Peter Cabus

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Tourism: labour market and job opportunities
Formal and informal employment in tourism related activities (3E981145)

Description:
This study forms part of a wider project which focuses on the labour market in tourism in relation to the tourist' expenditures (UFSIA-project)
The economic impact of tourism on the formal employment varies according to the different sectors. The seasonal discrepancies in job opportunities are characteristic for the tourism industry and to some extend explains the existence of an informal employment, including voluntary work.
The objective of this part of the study is to determine in which tourism related activities, this informal employment plays a major role and in which way this labour market could develop in a more sustainable and structured sector of the labour market.

Orderer: Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Administratie Wetenschap en Innovatie

Supervisor: G. De Brabander (UFSIA)

Co-supervisor: M. Jansen-Verbeke

Coordination of ISEG partial study: M. Jansen-Verbeke, E. Van Hecke

Researcher: K. Rouffa, E. Lievois

Duration: Total study: 18 months (1998-1999) / Partial study: 4-6 months (1999)

Publications: Report

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Delimitation of housing renewal and housing building areas in Flanders

Description:
Delimitation of housing renewal areas in Flanders at the scale of the statistical sectors. Housing indicators from the census of 1991 and extrapolations of the data from the housing quality survey of 1994-95 are used to develop a typology of neighbourhoods with housing problems.
Delimitation of housing building areas on the basis of population densities at the statistical sector level. Both determinations are illustrated on maps and detailed at the level of the streets for the concerned municipalities.

Orderer: Vlaamse Gemeenschap

Supervisor: C. Kesteloot
Researcher: H. Vandenbroecke

Duration: Finished

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Urbanisation and commuting

Description:
Definition of residential nucleus, spatial analysis of urban districts, with fundamental research on urban differentiation. Typology of the Belgian municipalities by urbanisation. Research of journey to work by residence and the municipalities of living and by urban districts (intensity, characteristics of relocation, socio-demographic and economic characteristics of commuters, study of school commuting).

Orderer:
Diensten van de Eerste Minister, wetenschappelijke, technische en culturele aangelegenheden (DWTC)

Supervisors: E. Van Hecke & H. Van der Haegen
Co-supervisor: B. Mérenne (ULg)
Researcher: G. Juchtmans

Duration: Finished

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Theoretical location of notary offices (3E980068)

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Development of 'Reiswijzer' for the K.U.Leuven website

Description:
Tracing with GIS, the 'students' places of origin with accessibility problems from and to Leuven using public transportation
A GIS-application as an info-tool about the accessibility of Leuven for students (extendible as an Internet-Info-Tool).

Orderer: K.U.Leuven

Supervisor: D. Vanneste
Researcher: G. Claessens

Duration: 1998

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Attainability of the K.U.Leuven with public transportation (3E981044)

Description:
The project consist of two parts:
1) the creation of the database and website with information about the attainability of K.U.Leuven with train and/or bus;
2) the analysis of the attainability of K.U.Leuven from all Flemish communes, against the spatial distribution of the K.U.Leuven-student population.

Orderer: K.U.Leuven

Supervisor: D. Vanneste
Researcher: G. Claessens

Duration: 1998-1999

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The Validation of Geographical Knowledge and Skills Project

Description:
The ‘Validation of Geographical Knowledge and Skills Project’ is one of the eight pilot projects in the framework of Objective N.1 of the Commission’s White Paper on Education and Training. The aim of the Geography Project is basically the same as for the other seven pilot projects: to explore the potential, problems and challenges involved in the introduction of new, more flexible ways of acknowledging skills, through the development and testing of a multi-level validation instrument for (geographical) knowledge and skills, to be made available through Internet. In the light of this aim, the Geography Project as a pilot project will result in methodological recommendations rather than in a ready-to-use test instrument. Methodological questions are of primary importance: how to overcome differences between national educational systems?, how to set achievement levels?, for which target groups could the instrument be useful?, what are the problems and perspectives of using the Internet for testing?, how can international agreement on standards be reached?, etc.

Coordinator: Utrecht University, The Netherlands
Supervisor: E. Van Hecke

Duration: Finished

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Copyright 2000, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Page design: Hilde Vandenhoeck
Information provider: ISEG
Comments for the authors: Hilde Vandenhoeck
http://www.kuleuven.ac.be/facdep/geo/iseg/esprojaf.htm