The use of AI in urban Digital Twins – real examples

The rapid evolution of urban environments necessitates advanced data-driven solutions to address complex citizen demands and sustainability goals. We’ll explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and geospatial technologies within the framework of urban Digital Twins (UDT). By creating dynamic digital replicas of physical cities, these systems transition beyond static 3D models to provide real-time monitoring and predictive simulations.

Drawing on real-world use cases – such as the implementation of UDTs in the City of Genoa for infrastructure management and in Klagenfurt for climate goal tracking – we examine how AI enhances decision-making in critical sectors including transportation, public safety, and environmental management. Key applications discussed include the use of AI-powered remote sensing for situational awareness and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to mitigate heat islands and flood risks. The findings demonstrate that by automating data handling and breaking departmental silos, urban Digital Twins empower governments to optimise resources, increase transparency, and build resilient, smart communities that effectively respond to the evolving needs of their citizens.