Digital Twin Victoria harnesses data for better planning

3D map of Melbourne from the Digital Twin Victoria platform — Melbourne, modelled in 3D on the DTV platform. Image: Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government has launched Digital Twin Victoria (DTV), a digital replica of the state, to help create an easier and more efficient planning and building process.

The platform was built in partnership with Australia’s National Science Agency CSIRO as part of the State Government’s $37.4 million Digital Twin Victoria program.

DTV connects data and information to create 2D, 3D and live data versions of the real world, including details on buildings, roads, infrastructure, farmland, and natural environments.

The platform combines more than 4000 local, state, and national datasets and makes them accessible to everyday Victorians for projects of any size.

It can used for state-significant planning and infrastructure projects to visualise data, investigate the feasibility of proposals. It aims to save time and money by identifying issues before shovels hit the ground.

DTV will reduce the industry’s reliance on manual, labour-intensive paper-based working methods, and build the digital skills necessary to support a more sustainable industry.

Lizzie Blandthorn, Minister for Planning, said the platform signified a big step for Victoria’s digital future.

“Digital Twin Victoria will help us build stronger, smarter, and more resilient towns and cities, better protect our environment and be better equipped to plan for emergencies,” she said.

As well as design efficiencies, it will allow the planning and building industries to virtually manage a development precinct or project area, modelling elements such as overshadowing and underground utilities prior to development.

The platform will also help fast-track planning for cities and regions by enabling councils to bring data together such as 3D models, vegetation, population statistics and local sensor data.

Already the most comprehensive digital model ever assembled for Victoria, DTV will continue to evolve over time as more data and user feedback is added to the platform.

Jon Whittle, Director of CSIRO’s Data 61, said the DTV platform would “bring data to life”, enabling visualisation of everything from real-time renewable power generation and flood spread monitoring, to the migration of Australian fur seals.

“The ability to easily see, compare and share this information is essential to building resilience and successfully adapting to change,” he said. “CSIRO is proud to partner with the Victorian Government to unlock its data-driven potential.”

For more information, visit: www.land.vic.gov.au