ontsluiting

Ontsluiting is a Dutch term that describes the act of making something that is closed or inaccessible accessible again. The meaning is context-dependent and can refer to physical access, information access, or social and legal transition. In all its uses, ontsluiting implies opening up or linking to a broader system or context.

In infrastructure and urban planning, ontsluiting refers to the creation or improvement of access to a place. This can involve building or upgrading roads, junctions, public transport connections, or utility networks to connect an area with surrounding networks. The aim is to improve mobility, stimulate development, and integrate the site into the regional economy and landscape.

In information management and archives, ontsluiting denotes the process of making information or collections searchable and usable. This includes indexing, metadata description, cataloguing, and the development of retrieval systems so users can find and access documents, data, or digital resources. Ontsluiting is a key aspect of information governance and digital curation.

In the context of security, justice, and social policy, ontsluiting can describe the transition of a person from confinement to ordinary life, such as release from custody or reintegration into society. It encompasses procedures, supervision, and support services intended to facilitate a safe and sustainable reentry.

Due to its broad usage, ontsluiting is often paired with more specific qualifiers, such as infrastructural ontsluiting, informational ontsluiting, or social reintegration ontsluiting, to clarify the domain of application. Synonyms include ontsluiten (to unlock or disclose) and opening up in various contexts.