Infrastructure firm, Future of Infrastructure Group (FIG), and planning and design firm, Arup, released a new white paper titled “Unlocking Digital Twins in Canada,” which presents a plan and suggestions for speeding up the digital transformation of infrastructure delivery in Canada.

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset. Unlike a static model, it establishes a feedback loop in which data is exchanged between the physical and digital environments.

The way infrastructure is planned, delivered, and maintained can be revolutionized with the power of digital twins.

Research shows that using digital twins across planning, delivery, and operations can improve capital and operational efficiency by 20 to 30 per cent. The paper underlines how digital twins, alongside better data and digital standards, could lead to lower costs, greater efficiency, better decision-making, and faster project completion.

“Infrastructure projects involve complex webs of organizations who all rely on each other to deliver projects successfully. Communication is critical, and the data created provides a huge opportunity to drive improvements in how we plan, deliver, and operate infrastructure,” says John Allen, executive director of Future of Infrastructure Group.

Unlocking Digital Twins in Canada was developed over a year-long engagement by FIG’s digital and data working group. The group brought together 15 industry experts to review the current state of play, discuss challenges, and outline international best practices.