A digital twin is a virtual 3D model of our city representing terrain surfaces, buildings, vegetation, infrastructure and other objects and assets to support efficiencies and data-driven planning decisions.
Applications
This game-changing technology has the potential to revolutionise how we plan and manage our built and natural environment. 3D models can be used to spatially design and simulate new development so they can be properly assessed to identify issues and improve efficiencies.
It enables visualisation of overshadowing sunlight exposure view corridors compliance with zoning regulation traffic gravity and solar potential of buildings.
It also provides the ability to accurately measure and evaluate land use building height floor area ratio population and housing densities and development costs.
The technology can support meaningful community engagement as developments can be more easily visualised in a 3D context. It’s a way we can ensure that public concerns values and aspirations are informing planning decisions.
The platform is enabling a future-ready smart and sustainable Victoria and City of Greater Geelong.
Benefits for our city and citizens
Developers and engineers have free access to a digital model of the city including building dimensions pits and underground pipes. This significantly reduces time cost and effort involved.
3D coupled with VR (virtual reality) makes it easy for anyone to view and comment on new development plans without special skills enabling us to gain richer feedback from community and other stakeholders.
Digital Twin Victoria
The Digital Twin Victoria (DTV) platform launched in 2022 was built in partnership with Data61- the digital arm of Australia’s National Science Agency CSIRO as part of the Victorian Government’s $37.4 million program.
The platform brings together masses of 2D 3D and live data into a single online location open for anyone to utilise.
Using the Digital Twin Victoria Platform
We have developed a series of lessons to guide new users of the DTV platform.
Focussing on key capabilities we hope to build understanding and encourage people to utilise and benefit from the tool: