TGEP 110: The Best Practices for Using Digital Twin Technology in Geotech

In this episode, we talk with Ron Chapple, Vice President of Global Strategic Solutions - Digital Twins at NV5 Geospatial, about how digital twin technology is transforming industries. This cutting-edge technology creates real-time virtual replicas to optimize complex systems and has sparked growing interest due to recent advancements. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Ron: Can you explain what a digital twin is and why it’s becoming so important in geospatial engineering and other industries? What advanced technologies and sensors does your team use for reality capture and creating digital twins? Where do you think we are on the hype curve for digital twins, and why do you think there's been a recent surge in interest in this technology? Can you provide a specific example of how digital twins are being used in industries today and where you see the greatest potential for their application? Can you highlight a key problem that digital twins help solve, and explain how they improve decision-making and risk management for your clients? Where do you see the future of digital twin technology heading, and what advancements are you most excited about? What final piece of advice would you give to geotechnical engineers interested in exploring and working with digital twin technology? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Best Practices for Using Digital Twin Technology in Geotech: A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical object, system, or environment that collects real-time data from sensors and other sources to reflect the current state of its real-world counterpart. In geospatial engineering and other industries, digital twins are crucial because they provide a dynamic way to monitor, analyze, and predict the performance of assets, improving decision-making, operational efficiency, and risk management. The team uses high-fidelity LiDAR systems combined with high-resolution cameras that capture precise ground-level data, often down to one or two centimeters from altitudes of 500 to 1,000 feet. These technologies are deployed using drones, helicopters, or fixed-wing aircraft to create detailed reality captures, which serve as the foundation for digital twins. We have moved beyond the peak of inflated expectations and entered the slope of enlightenment for digital twins. The recent surge in interest stems from the intersection of increased computing power, reduced data storage costs, and the development of software capable of handling large-scale data processing, making digital twins more practical and impactful across industries. A key example of digital twins in use today is in facility management, where they map out entire building systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, while integrating real-time data on energy use and performance. Digital twins hold the greatest potential in improving operational efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing decision-making by providing a comprehensive, real-time view of complex infrastructures across industries like construction, urban planning, and utilities. A key problem digital twins solve is the ability to monitor and manage complex systems in real-time, such as buildings, infrastructure, or entire cities. By providing a detailed, up-to-date virtual replica, digital twins enhance decision-making and risk management by enabling clients to anticipate issues, optimize performance, and respond quickly to potential risks, ultimately reducing downtime and costs. The rise of digital twins opens doors to new career opportunities that don't yet have defined job titles. Engineers stay open to new ways of applying their skills,