Is digital twinning the future of urban planning and design?

Singapore has pioneered the world’s first national digital twin to address its persistent flooding issues.

Launched in 2014 by the Singapore Land Authority in collaboration with government and private sectors, this initiative aims to safeguard the city-state’s limited urban space using high-resolution three-dimensional maps generated from advanced imaging techniques and AI-based modelling.

Initially, aerial photography and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology mapped natural and urban terrains, supplemented by ground-level data from laser scanners on vehicles covering Singapore’s 5500-kilometre road network, amassing a staggering 600 million data points.

The result is a comprehensive digital model encompassing above-ground, surface, and subterranean environments.

Singapore’s digital twin integrates sensor data and weather forecasts to predict and manage flooding in real-time.

By simulating myriad weather scenarios, city planners can visualise potential flood events and implement proactive measures such as adjusting drainage systems and optimising stormwater flow through canals and reservoirs.

These predictive capabilities have heavily reduced the frequency and severity of flooding incidents, safeguarding critical infrastructure and public safety.

The Virtual Singapore platform serves as a digital sandbox for urban planners to test flood mitigation strategies, integrating topographical data from public agencies and real-time sensors, providing a robust framework for addressing urban challenges efficiently.

Noise pollution is a pressing issue for cities worldwide, prompting the need for effective urban development strategies. In Gothenburg, Sweden, digital twin technology is pivotal in tackling this challenge.

By aggregating data from traffic, industrial activities and construction sites, Gothenburg’s digital twin creates a detailed map of its acoustic landscape across its 700km² area.

This Virtual Gothenburg model accurately forecasts noise levels in real-time, empowering city planners to make proactive decisions in noise control measures.

Using the digital twin, planners pinpoint noise hotspots and simulate various mitigation strategies, such as traffic rerouting, noise barrier installations and adjusted construction schedules.

Virtual testing allows officials to implement the most effective measures while minimising disruption to daily life.

This approach notably improves Gothenburg’s acoustic environment, enhancing its livability and attractiveness to residents, businesses and visitors.

Gothenburg’s involvement in research initiatives like SONORUS (Urban Sound Planner project) underscores its commitment to advancing acoustic analysis in urban planning.

Their participation emphasises the importance of understanding urban acoustics for effectively evaluating and implementing noise control strategies.

By leveraging the potential of digital twins, Gothenburg demonstrates how innovative technologies can revolutionise urban noise management, paving the way for more sustainable and harmonious urban soundscapes.

Melbourne is at the forefront of sustainable urban development through the Digital Twin Victoria (DTV) initiative.

Launched with $37.4 million of investment by the Victorian State Government, DTV aims to establish a state-wide digital twin, integrating geospatial data, Internet of Things (IoT) sensor inputs and advanced analytics.

This virtual model supports diverse sustainable urban development applications including infrastructure planning and environmental monitoring.

A key focus of DTV is optimising energy use and reducing carbon emissions. By simulating development scenarios, planners can identify sustainable options like green building technologies, renewable energy installations and enhanced public transportation networks.

DTV also provides real-time data on energy consumption, water usage and waste generation, enabling targeted measures for optimising public facilities and promoting green practices.

The DTV initiative also includes advanced Earth observation with extensive LiDAR surveys, access to open data, streamlined utility information access for infrastructure projects, and tools for automated building and planning code checks.

Melbourne’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in this initiative, demonstrating how digital twins can revolutionise urban planning by designing smarter and more resilient cities.

Through DTV, Melbourne aims to create a future-ready urban environment that balances growth with environmental stewardship, setting a global benchmark for sustainable development practices.