A recent article examines the effectiveness of urban digital twin projects through case studies in the United States and Australia. The study, titled "Digital Twin or Digital Kin: Misunderstandings and Myths about Urban Simulation, and Directions for Change," reviews a traditional urban digital twins (UDT) project, National Science Foundation-funded 3D gaming digital twins in New York, and a large-scale federated UDT platform in New South Wales, Australia.
The authors highlight the need to address issues related to interoperability, profit motives, democratic deliberation, and social outcomes. They argue that best-practice models described as “digital kin” are necessary. According to the article, these models should include diverse urban realities and communities while being more integrated across different platforms and locations. This integration is intended to support participatory planning efforts aimed at advancing social equity.
"These models are inclusive of different urban realities and diverse communities, as well as more closely integrated across platforms locations for use in participatory planning to advance social equity outcomes," the authors state.
The article draws on examples from both American and Australian contexts to show how technology can better serve cities if implemented with attention to inclusivity and collaboration among stakeholders.
