Publications
The Sense of Place of Local Mining Heritage in Wallonia
Former coal mining sites and slag heaps in Wallonia, though often unrecognized as heritage, hold significant value for local communities. These sites provide essential recreational, environmental, and cultural services, fostering a strong sense of place among residents. While local authorities exhibit limited interest in preserving mining heritage, they acknowledge its potential to support urban development, green infrastructure, and economic growth. The study, based on oral surveys and interviews with residents and local actors, reveals that these sites are actively repurposed through new uses and narratives, blending past and present activities. This research highlights the importance of reimagining underrecognized mining heritage for sustainable regional development.
Cultural Heritage Documentation and Integrated Geomatics Techniques in an Educational Context: Case Bois-Du-Luc (Belgium)
A collaborative project between the Walloon government and Ghent University has successfully integrated geomatics techniques into educational contexts, focusing on the UNESCO World Heritage site Bois-du-Luc in Belgium. This initiative leveraged high-resolution aerial imagery and topographical surveys to create detailed 3D models and maps of the historic mining site, dating back to 1838–1923. The project not only preserved cultural heritage but also provided students with hands-on training in photogrammetry and land surveying, bridging academic learning with real-world applications. The results demonstrate the potential for such collaborations to enhance both educational outcomes and the preservation of significant industrial landscapes.
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