ITC | PhD research projects in geo-information science and earth observation

Student:	I.L. Cardenas Leon
Timeline:	October 2023 - 15 October 2027

The research aims to explore how multiple sectors within urban and regional planning can be integrated into a Digital Twin environment to simulate and assess the impact of planned activities, and to evaluate social-spatial and economic interactions across different planning sectors. Currently, planning processes are predominantly mono-sectorial, lacking cohesive integration, and the adoption of digital planning tools has been minimal. By using Digital Twin technology, this research seeks to create a more holistic, interactive, and responsive planning approach, enhancing the ability to predict outcomes and coordinate activities across various sectors (Water supply, Urban Heat and Housing) for more efficient and effective urban and regional development.

Research theme

People, Land and Urban Systems

In PLUS research, people are our focus. Everyone is included, from societal thought-leaders, to government policy makers, to high-level civil society advocates – through to entrepreneurs and citizens, including the disenfranchised. These people are our collaborators, our participants, our beneficiaries, our users. PLUS focuses on understanding the spatial information needs of society and responding to those needs in responsible ways – as tools, as systems, as infrastructure, or as ways of thinking. Our work sits at the nexus of urbanization, land tenure, governance, climate change, and transportation – and the grand challenges of sustainability and social equity in the age of the anthropocene.

Digital Twins: A Game-Changer in Improving Spatial Planning?

Meet the team