Location-Enabled Digital Twins-Understanding the Role of NMCAS in A European Context

Digital Twins are realistic digital representation of physical objects and are differentiated from traditional models by the live connection between the digital and the physical worlds, often enabled by sensors. They provide insights into the physical world for decision makers, for example via simulation, and can be used to directly alter the physical world without manual intervention. While they have their origins in manufacturing, they are increasingly being used within the built environment, by both public and private sectors. Increasingly city-wide and National Digital Twins are also being considered, to underpin local, municipal and central government decision making. For these emerging Digital Twins, location data such as that provided by National Mapping and Cadastral Agencies (NMCAs) has the potential to underpin Digital Twin modelling. It thus becomes important for NMCAs to better understand Digital Twins in order to determine whether current data offerings can meet this new demand and how best to support the various activities. As a first stage investigation under the auspices of EuroSDR, this paper explores challenges and opportunities for NMCAs and others working in the location sector, presenting the result of an international survey and workshop on these topics. We conclude that there is significant overlap with existing challenges within the geospatial community and those required to better support Digital Twins-e.g. interoperability and data management and governance. Additionally, the opportunity for a broader understanding and uptake of location data offered by Digital Twins should not be ignored.