Aerial Mapping as the Foundation of Urban Digital Twins

The integration of aerial mapping technologies has emerged as a cornerstone in developing comprehensive digital twins for urban environments. This forum explores how high-resolution aerial imagery, LiDAR scanning, and photogrammetry serve as the fundamental building blocks for creating accurate digital representations of cities. We will examine how these mapping technologies enable the capture of precise geospatial data, building geometries, terrain features, and infrastructure networks—essential components for developing reliable digital twin models.

The discussion will highlight recent airborne and drone mapping technological advancements, AI-assisted feature extraction, and data updating capabilities. By leveraging advanced geospatial data collection methods, we create digital replicas of cities that enable predictive analysis, monitoring and optimised decision-making processes. Participants will gain insights into best practices for data acquisition, integration methodologies, and quality assurance protocols that ensure the accuracy and reliability of city-scale digital twins.

Through case studies and expert presentations, participants will learn how aerial mapping-based digital twins are revolutionising urban planning, infrastructure management, and environmental monitoring, while enabling more informed decision-making for a safe, sustainable and smart city.

The Forum will be held on the 9th April 2025 in Sands Expo & Convention Centre as an integral part of Geo Connect Asia 2025.

Key Themes include: 

- Data Acquisition, Technological Intergration and Digitial Twin
Data acquisition and technological integration encompasses the convergence of various aerial mapping technologies, including aerial imagery, LiDAR, and photogrammetry, working in concert to capture comprehensive geospatial data. These integrated technologies, enhanced by AI-assisted feature extraction and data updating capabilities, form a robust framework for collecting and processing detailed urban spatial information. Building upon this founding, the development process transforms these data sources into precise digital twins of urban environments, while adhering to rigorous quality control and best practices to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability throughout the development lifecycle.

- Urban Applications and Impact
The implementation of digital twins is transforming urban management by revolutionising city planning and infrastructure operations. Through enhanced environmental monitoring capabilities and sustainability applications, these digital twins enable data-driven decision-making processes, paving the way for safe, sustainable and smart city development.