Digital Twin: An Emerging Tool for Urban Planning and Design

Abstract

The concept of digital twin has acquired attention in urban planning and design for its potential to revolutionize city understanding, planning, and management. This article explores the contributions of digital twin technology to smart city planning and development, aiming to understand its functionalities, benefits, and limitations. An overview of digital twin definition and functionalities is provided, emphasizing their ability to create virtual city replicas and simulate different scenarios. Case studies from London, Zürich, and Athens exemplify digital twin applications, and a comparative analysis reveals diverse objectives, technology deployments, user interaction levels, outcomes, and funding sources. Findings demonstrate digital twins as powerful tools for improved decision-making, resource allocation, and infrastructure management. They also facilitate stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, and evidence-based policy design. However, challenges related to data integration, privacy, and scalability exist. Nonetheless, results underscore the relevance and transformative potential of digital twins in shaping smart cities and fostering sustainable urban environments.

Keywords

• digital technologies
• urban modeling
• urban governance
• participatory planning
• urban management