Automated Generation of Urban Digital Shadows using Open Data

Abstract

The concept of Digital Twins is widely proposed as a tool to aid decision-makers in the analysis of crisis situations. In order to provide a visual intuitive platform in the urban context, three-dimensional models are preferred. However, these are hard to obtain or lack functionality such that a coupling to simulation models becomes cumbersome. In this work, an automated pipeline to generate functional urban models based on open data is presented that focuses on the objects' semantics. For instance, we leverage CityGML, OSM and true orthophotos to generate a component-based, standardized specification that builds the basis for visualization and simulation. Furthermore, our system specification allows the easy conversion of the model into a Digital Shadow. To show its effectiveness in a possible application, we incorporate it into a Situational Awareness Table as a Proof-of-Concept simulating a gas leakage scenario.