Berlin receives digital twin: night flights revolutionize city planning!

Berlin receives digital twin: night flights revolutionize city planning!

Last night the night flights to survey Berlin came to an end. Employees at BSF Swissphoto are satisfied with the results because the cloudless nights ensured ideal conditions. An important step was taken here: Berlin was completely scanned from the air and a high-precision 3D model was created, which is of great importance for city and traffic planning. A feature of this survey was the use of a laser system on board a Cessna 208 Caravan, which had a high-power laser.

The flights not only served to create the 3D model, but also to identify areas that are particularly at risk from heavy rain. At least 40 height points were recorded per square meter, which ensures a height accuracy of around ten centimeters. This novel surveying technique – used for the first time in Germany – was used at altitudes between 1,500 and 800 meters. The sounds of the small plane that took off from Trebbin had already been announced in advance, as there is no ban on night flights there. This action was carried out on behalf of the Federal Office of Cartography and Geodesy to create a “digital twin” of the whole of Germany. RBB24 reports that ...

Surveying technology of the future

But what exactly is a digital twin? Essentially, it is a virtual image of a city that plays a central role in urban development. This technology makes it possible to combine differently structured data and use it for urban development goals. Real-time data can be used in simulations, be it in land-use planning or traffic planning. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly support planning decisions and increase efficiency. The Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research explains the concepts behind digital twins...

The use of such advanced technologies goes hand in hand with classic surveying. Innovative processes such as 3D laser scanning enable data to be captured significantly more precisely and quickly compared to traditional methods. A complete building is measured in just a few hours. The results are often accessible to project participants in virtual tours on the same day. These high-precision point clouds can then be easily imported into common CAD and BIM software. Draft3D highlights the advantages of this technology...

Future prospects

The challenges of implementing a digital twin should not be underestimated. To ensure successful operation, suitable process structures, specialist procedures and personnel are essential. Building a rough architecture for digital twins is necessary in order to identify specific areas of application. This also requires scientific support, which can be provided by institutions such as the Fraunhofer Institute. The creation of such digital spirals is an exciting topic that will be of great relevance for future urban development.

With these new options we could, on the one hand, revolutionize urban planning and, on the other hand, increase safety in danger zones. Because wherever it is about making data-supported decisions, there is something going on - and not just in Berlin!