The increasing number of cities and metropolises globally share one objective. They strive for transformation to smart cities. With the gradual digitization of the world and growing importance and amount of data, the concept of smart cities is a must. This development is partially caused by the fact that smart cities represent the answer to the current requirements, such as the pressure on the constantly-improving infrastructure, process effectivity improvements, quick physical development and growing accommodation standards.

Digital twins in the centre of attention

The gradual emergence of smart cities enabled combinations of numerous advanced technologies and synergies of their options, but the real initiator behind the course of events was the concept of digital twins. With the digital twins technology, you are able to create a digital replica (twin) of a city which is then able to monitor the cities on a single portal using the data from IoT sensors.

It is an advanced ability that connects the physical world with the virtual one in order to provide an intelligent solution in real time for the city environment and infrastructure through sensors and the Internet of Things. The result is an interconnected information system that reflects the conditions, performance level and effectiveness of municipal assets and processes.

Where and how are digital twins being used?

It’s very interesting how these technologies are being used in various ways for the support of dealing with everyday tasks and challenges of smart city life.

1. Singapore – Asian pioneer in the field of smart cities

This leader in digital twin use was able to meet the wishes of its citizens and other subjects through the project of “Virtual Singapore”. Within this project, a 3D city model, that authorities use for supporting their decision-making, was created. Using this technology, the city was able to improve its science and research, the whole development and decision-making regarding city issues.

A good example might be plans and security protocols for unexpected events. These events can be simulated using data about traffic jams and restrictions and based on these simulations, authorities are able to propose optimal evacuation routes and methods.

2. France – paving the way for the European boom of smart cities

French people use digital twins in a similar way, but their effort is heading towards a rather architectural development. The city of Rennes has also created its 3D model for testing the options of future city development that took needs and worries of its citizens into consideration. This model can also help developers, architects and city administration to analyze the limits and restrictions that should be minded in case of development projects.

A digital twin of a city also offers an overview of the influence of decisions on the city environment and infrastructure in the future, which can save many costly mistakes.

3. Helsinki – laying the foundations of a whole new discipline in northern countries

The strategy of the Finnish metropolis Helsinki is heading towards another direction, however the 3D model conception remains the point of focus. The city uses digital twins for streamlining their project of virtual tourism and striver for a leading position in this field.

“Virtual Helsinki” offers users the option to “visit” all of the attractive spots any time during the year, only using virtual reality glasses and special applications. A city digital twin is created in a high-quality 3D model that enables a realistic tourist experience and therefore expands the touristic offer of the city. (To this project, we have dedicated the article Helsinki is a trendsetter in the field of digital tourism)

Besides these examples, there are a lot of cities that use digital twins for optimization of logistic processes, providing better access to information for citizens, supporting a more rational use of resources, preparing plans for a potential natural disaster and many more. With the arrival of 5G and artificial intelligence, the digital twins technology will keep on becoming more powerful and smart city designers will have to look for a way to use this technology for their plans, in case they are not already doing that.