A comprehensive tour: Dutch land- and water management

The FIG Working Week has been cancelled. This is not a decision we have taken lightly and there are two overriding concerns that have caused us to make this decision at this time.

 First, the Dutch Government announced new measurements to control the COVID-19 outbreak. In the Netherlands all gatherings are prohibited until 1 June.

Second, our primary concern is always the wellbeing of you, and we would not take on the responsibility, during these times, to bring so many surveyors from all over the world together.


Date: Thursday 14 May 2020, Rotterdam

Water management on land - How water shaped spatial planning and development in the Netherlands


The Dutch have an excellent reputation when it comes to water management and successful living with water. Some even say that contemporary spatial planning and development originates from attempts to keep the water out in order to optimise land use.
There is so much to see and so little time... Therefore, we combine the best the Dutch have to offer in a one day event!

You will embark on an exclusive journey using various modes of transportation starting at the historical Fort Vechten and finishing in the vibrant port city of Rotterdam. During the journey, you will be able to experience the Dutch urbanised delta and its historical and contemporary assignments in spatial planning including the process of land readjustment. The programme combines visits to historical structures with contemporary technology (e.g. GIS and sensor technology for monitoring water levels) and high style architecture. It is a unique opportunity where professionals and scientists will be sharing inside stories of their role in land and water management.

By the end of the day you will have expanded your international network, practitioners and scientists alike, and leave inspired.

Rotterdam municipality, Radboud University, TU Delft and the Dutch cadastre and mapping agency join forces to deliver this one day, comprehensive tour along with a maximum of must-see projects.

Tentative Programme

09:00

Bus leaves RAI Conference Center

10:00

Visit to project ‘Ruimte voor de Lek’ (Space for the river Lek) around Utrecht/Vianen

Showcasing a new conceptual way of thinking regarding sustainable water management of rivers in view of the expected effects of climate change.

11:00

Arrival at Dutch military heritage Fort Vechten / Hollandse Waterlinie

Presentations on comprehensive water management, land policy & land use planning and land readjustment in Barak Z combined with traditional ‘soldiers lunch’ in de Waterlinie Museum.  

13:45

Bus departs for Rotterdam

14:45

Disembarking at ‘vertical city Rotterdam’, designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas (OMA).

Presentations on Rotterdam Delta Plan ‘Rotterdams Weerwoord, urban watermanagement, urban resilience, the Rotterdam Port and water safety.  

16:30

Tour proceeds by foot (possibly by boat) into the city; Erasmus bridge, Westersingel pumpingstation, water management ‘processingroom’ (e.g. GIS and sensor technology for monitoring water levels) and subterranean water basin and garage beneath Museumpark.

18:00

Dinner in the city

19:45

Bus leaves for Amsterdam RAI
*Possibility to be dropped off at Schiphol International Airport

21:00

Arrival at RAI conference center

Organised by: FIG Commision 8, Radboud Univeriteit & Nuffic

Interested in attending?

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