Using Digital Twins of a Smart City for Disaster Management

Abstract

Digital twins, advanced virtual models replicating physical objects or systems, are becoming integral to smart city solutions, particularly in disaster management. By integrating real-time data from sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, digital twins simulate and analyze physical entities' behavior and performance, providing real-time monitoring, predictive insights, and operational optimization. This study explores the application of digital twins in smart city disaster management, focusing on key solution components such as sensors, data integration, simulation engines, and visualization interfaces. It highlights the top use cases, including supply chain optimization, public transit management, and the performance of experiments. Additionally, industry examples, such as DHL’s supply chain twin and Singapore’s digital twin for urban planning, demonstrate the value of this technology in disaster resilience. The integration of digital twins enables smart cities to better manage disasters, optimize resources, and improve public safety, ultimately enhancing urban sustainability