From loose ideas to concrete opportunities

Overview and coherence: this is what more and more local authorities are craving when it comes to area development. Because there are plenty of plans, but how do they fit together? Where do the real opportunities lie? The municipality of Enschede decided not to stop at loose ideas and, together with Centrϕide, developed a digital opportunity map. Not a dusty map in a drawer, but a digital tool brimming with possibilities: from improvements to walking, cycling, mountain biking, motoring and horse-riding networks to creative ideas for art, amenities, vitality and sport. Everything clearly organised together, in one place. Very handy indeed.

From ambition to action

The municipality of Enschede no longer wanted fragmented ideas or invisible plans. They needed to get a handle on everything that is happening and possible within the physical living environment. This included not only recreation, but also themes such as art, culture, mobility, vitality and amenities. Centrϕide was commissioned to make sense of this entire landscape and provided input. This laid the foundation for the digital Opportunity Map: a single central hub where hundreds of ideas, wishes and possibilities come together.

What did we create? A map full of opportunities

The Opportunities Map is a digital map that allows you to see all known and new potential within Enschede at a single, detailed glance. From missing links in all recreational networks to sites with potential for new development or, conversely, for nature and recreation. Everything is on it: smart, categorised, up-to-date and usable. Not a maze of policy documents, but simply a clear map that makes Enschede easy to navigate and concrete.

We’re making sure everyone can use the Opportunity Map effectively. That’s why we’re working on a clear version that’s easy to read. The map will also come with a user guide. It explains exactly how to search, filter and find the information you need. And we’re going one step further: we’re also making an instructional video. That way, you can see step by step how the Opportunities Map works!

This is how we approached it

We started with the basics: a thorough inventory of everything that was already available. Policy documents, previous visions, maps, figures – everything was analysed. Meanwhile, we went out to conduct field research. Because what wasn’t yet on paper, we heard about in practice.

This was followed by data collection in phases. Everything was brought together in a clear structure that is genuinely workable. And we didn’t do it alone. A steering group comprising staff from the council and Centrϕide, a sounding board group with policy officers and four key stakeholders, and a drop-in session where the village association and Enschede Promotie were all at the table. That broad mix of input ensured that the Opportunity Map truly belonged to everyone.

We used the Canon of Enschede to organise all the information. This Canon tells the story of Enschede through 40 key ‘windows’. Together with Routenetwerken Twente, we also incorporated the five pillars that the client wanted to see: cultural history, economy, education, nature, and sport and play. This ensures that everything is presented logically and clearly on the Opportunity Map.

Application and future

The digital Opportunity Map is not an end point, but rather the beginning. A living tool that is continuously supplemented, refined and updated. The council and Centrϕide are jointly building a management structure to ensure the map always remains up to date. Not for show, but as a working tool for everyone involved in the physical living environment. Both within the council and beyond.

The big challenge? Ensuring the map becomes the standard. That policy officers, project leaders and regional partners automatically turn to it as soon as something comes up. Whether it’s a new neighbourhood, a nature project or a mobility issue: the aim is to consult the opportunities map at the start of every plan.

And… do you want this too?

With the opportunities map, Enschede has a powerful tool that connects policy and practice. A map that shows where things are possible, where there are conflicts, and where you can build something wonderful together. Useful for short lines of communication internally, but just as valuable for collaboration with external partners.

Digital Opportunity Map: An Overview of Area Development