Digital twin of Nicosia

Abstract

As large cities around the world grapple with numerous challenges such as traffic congestion, resource management, environmental concerns, and infrastructure maintenance, innovative solutions are needed to ensure sustainable growth and improved quality of life. One major problem that urban planners face is the lack of real-time data for effective decision-making and problem-solving. This vital data includes information on traffic flow and density, temperature fluctuations, humidity levels and rainfall records. This master’s thesis investigates the development and implementation of a digital twin for Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, as a Proof of Concept (PoC) to overcome data challenges and address pressing urban issues. A digital twin is like a virtual representation of a real-world object or place, such as a city or a building. It uses sensors to collect real-time data about what's happening, which is then used to update a 3D model, a digital copy of that real thing. It uses data analytics and machine learning to simulate the city's behavior in real-time. In short, a digital twin helps us to understand and predict real-world events by creating and studying a live, virtual copy of it. The research starts by exploring the key problems Nicosia currently faces, including traffic management, energy consumption, waste disposal, and disaster risk mitigation. The study emphasizes the difficulties in obtaining and integrating accurate, up-to-date data needed to develop effective strategies and interventions to tackle these urban issues. Advanced modeling techniques and machine learning algorithms are utilized to analyze and visualize data, enabling informed decision-making and effective problem-solving. Research presents the structure of the digital twin PoC, examining software architecture and programming languages employed in its development. The study discusses design principles, architectural components, and technical considerations that underpin the digital twin system, providing insights into the tools and techniques used to create a scalable, robust, and effective proof of concept solution. The outcome of this master's thesis is the successful development of a proof-of-concept digital twin for Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus