Planning for Digital Twin Implementation
PAS Memo 125
By Adam Beck, Gavin Cotterill
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Planners today face a complex landscape of social, environmental, and economic challenges. Emerging technologies offer new possibilities for addressing these challenges. One tool with significant potential to change planning practice is digital twin technology.
A digital twin creates a dynamic virtual representation of physical environments, blending disparate datasets with advanced modeling and simulation capabilities. It enables planners to visualize urban systems, test scenarios, and predict outcomes with high levels of accuracy and depth. Digital twin technology not only offers a robust set of tools for tackling some of the most critical challenges facing our communities, but it can also help transform approaches to problem-solving and decision-making.
Establishing a digital twin may seem complex, but with a thoughtful and structured approach guided by a strategy, it becomes achievable. Planners can set themselves up for success by clearly defining their needs, understanding the value a digital twin can deliver, and outlining a practical roadmap for implementation.
This PAS Memo provides planners with actionable guidance on how to create a strategic framework for digital twin development. It begins by defining digital twins and explaining how planners can leverage this robust tool to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. It then offers structured strategies and practical insights to help planners successfully plan, prepare for, procure, and implement digital twin systems that address complex challenges and create long-lasting value for their communities.
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About the Authors
Adam Beck
Adam is the head of digital urbanism at ENE.HUB, a digital infrastructure company helping shape high-quality public places and spaces. He is an urbanist who has worked for private-sector consultancies and leading global nongovernment organizations for almost 30 years.
Adam established the Smart Cities Academy while in his role as founding executive director at Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand. He created the training program for the EcoDistricts Accredited Practitioner program in the United States, and before that led the education business at the Green Building Council of Australia in his capacity as executive director.
Gavin Cotterill
Gavin Cotterill is the founder and managing principal of GC3 Digital and is an acclaimed digital twin expert trusted by public and private executives to develop world-leading digital twin strategies and programs. With a career spanning three decades and diverse experience across the built and natural environment, he demonstrates a unique blend of policy, strategy, and business case experience.