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Digital Twin

GIS creates digital twins of the natural and built environments

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What is a digital twin?

A digital twin is a virtual representation of the real world, including physical objects, processes, relationships, and behaviors. GIS creates digital twins of the natural and built environments and uniquely integrates many types of digital models.

Geospatial technology connects different types of data and systems to create a single view that can be accessed throughout the complete project life cycle. GIS enhances data capture and integration, enables better real-time visualization, provides advanced analysis and automation of future predictions, and allows for information sharing and collaboration.

Digital twin of the Port of Rotterdam

Europe's busiest port utilizes a digital twin to track over 80 ships a day and 460 million tons of cargo per year, generating 3% of Dutch GDP.

Transforming operations with GIS and digital twins

GIS and digital twins are revolutionizing decision-making and transforming work processes. Esri's geospatial technology is instrumental in this transformation, as it connects data, systems, models, and behaviors with spatial context. 

This integration allows for the creation of comprehensive digital representations of environments, assets, networks, and cities. By utilizing digital twins, organizations can improve their processes, minimize risk, optimize operations, and automate decision-making.

Gain valuable insights from industry leaders as they discuss their approaches to implementing GIS and digital twins in their organizations.

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ArcGIS: The Foundation for Digital Twins eBook

Learn how digital twins benefit from GIS integration and explore use cases and solutions that demonstrate how ArcGIS supports digital twin enablement.

Download the ebook
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Digital twin resources

Explore a list of technologies, articles, videos and more that explain how GIS and location play a critical role in the life cycle of a digital twin.

Access the resource
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Elements of a digital twin

Data capture and integration

Digital twins are modernizing how organizations capture and visualize data, integrate networks, and analyze information.

  • Data modeling
  • System integration and management
  • Reality capture
  • Feature creation and extraction
  • Workflow and business systems
A person looking at a 3D virtual representation of a building and information about it

Real time and visualization

Make the right decisions, discover new patterns, and unlock data's potential with real-time information and an authoritative network.

  • Dashboards and reporting
  • Real-time Internet of Things (IoT) integration
  • Insights and analytics
  • Advanced visualization
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Share and collaborate

GIS technology supports smart organizations and communities by improving information sharing, eliminating data silos, and increasing internal and external engagement.

  • Dynamic visual communication
  • Engagement and collaboration
  • Pervasive data access
  • Information transparency
  • Project delivery
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Analyze and predict

Analyze and make accurate predictions using powerful statistical, machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and artificial intelligence (AI) methods.

 

  •  Automation (AI/ML/DL)
  •  Notebooks and modeling
  •  Simulation and scenario modeling
  •  Forecasting
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Video

A framework to create and integrate digital twins

Digital twins provide greater context to solve business challenges by revealing relationships and streamlining workflows.

Partners

The Esri Partner Network is a rich ecosystem of organizations that work together to extend Esri technology. Partners deliver solutions, content, and services to help you meet your goals.

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Have a question or comment about GIS and digital twins? Schedule a conversation with a member of our team.

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