The DOI matches its Crossref record; 23 of the 29 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 3 of the 10 sources its claims cite were checked for support.
Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany
Open accessAbstract
Cities are complex systems connected to economic, ecological, and demographic conditions and change. They are also characterized by diverging perceptions and interests of citizens and stakeholders. Thus, in the arena of urban planning, we are in need of approaches that are able to cope not only with urban complexity but also allow for participatory and collaborative processes to empower citizens. This to create democratic cities. Connected to the field of smart cities and citizens, we present in this paper, the prototype of an urban digital twin for the 30,000-people town of Herrenberg in Germany. Urban digital twins are sophisticated data models allowing for collaborative processes. The herein presented prototype comprises (1) a 3D model of the built environment, (2) a street network model using the theory and method of space syntax, (3) an urban mobility simulation, (4) a wind flow simulation, and (5) a number of empirical quantitative and qualitative data using volunteered geographic information (VGI). In addition, the urban digital twin was implemented in a visualization platform for virtual reality and was presented to the general public during diverse public participatory processes, as well as in the framework of the “Morgenstadt Werkstatt” (Tomorrow’s Cities Workshop). The results of a survey indicated that this method and technology could significantly aid in participatory and collaborative processes. Further understanding of how urban digital twins support urban planners, urban designers, and the general public as a collaboration and communication tool and for decision support allows us to be more intentional when creating smart cities and sustainable cities with the help of digital twins. We conclude the paper with a discussion of the presented results and further research directions.
Overview
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Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
The authors built a prototype urban digital twin for the 30,000-person town of Herrenberg, Germany, combining a 3D city model, space syntax street network analysis, SUMO mobility simulation, OpenFOAM airflow and pollution simulation, sensor-network environmental data, and volunteered geographic information, all visualized in VR via COVISE/OpenCOVER. A survey of 39 participants found the model was judged very positively and that most respondents believed virtual urban models could improve local planning and participation.
Key findings
- The Herrenberg digital twin prototype integrates eight components: (1) a 3D model of the built environment, (2) a space syntax street network model, (3) a SUMO urban mobility simulation, (4) an OpenFOAM air-flow simulation, (5) a pollution simulation using sensor data, (6) empirical quantitative pedestrian/cyclist route data, (7) empirical qualitative social data on place perception, and (8) photographic documentation.
- In the participant survey (n = 39, ages 16–80), the model was rated positively on a −3.00 to +3.00 polarity profile: interesting (+2.54), comprehensible (+2.37), concrete (+2.14), clearly arranged (+1.92), entertaining (+1.89), and simple (+1.56).
- 95% of respondents stated virtual urban models could have a positive effect on local planning, and 97% on public participatory processes.
- Respondents with prior participation experience (46% as citizens, 13% as official local representatives) rated the model more positively on five of six attributes; the exception was "complicated–simple," where the experienced group judged it more complicated.
- Nine traffic-planning scenarios for reducing congestion and pollution in the city core were tested alongside the 2018 status quo road network.
Methods
- Empirical and computational mixed-method design: a prototype urban digital twin was constructed for Herrenberg and embedded in the collaborative visualization environment COVISE, rendered through OpenCOVER for CAVE and head-mounted display VR.
- Data sources: regional DEM and digital building model (Landesamt für Geoinformation und Landentwicklung Baden-Württemberg) supplemented by Faro Focus 3D S 120 laser scans of the medieval center (May 2017); BIM data for the "Seeländer Areal" building; a citizen-science sensor network measuring PM 2.5/10, temperature, and humidity via the LuftdatenInfo platform; and the "Reallabor Tracker" mobile app (based on OSM Tracker) for VGI routes, place ratings, photos, and audio.
- Space syntax analysis used normalized angular choice (NACH) computed in depthmapX; mobility simulation used SUMO; wind flow and pollution simulations used OpenFOAM. Evaluation used a nine-question questionnaire with polarity profiles and open questions, yielding 39 responses.
Limitations
- Stated by the authors: the survey sample was small and non-representative; only respondents' views were captured, with no knowledge of how the models perform under real-life conditions; a full end-to-end test within an actual planning process would be needed; and the links respondents drew to former participation formats were made by the research team, so results should be treated with caution.
- Stated by the authors: as a model, the urban digital twin cannot include all information from the physical world, and there remains a need for additional social, economic, and environmental data (citing Batty 2018).
- Evident from the text: the participatory evaluation was conducted in a single German town and the authors describe their own impression that participation "proceeded well" as subjective; obtaining comprehensive BIM data was difficult due to complex responsibilities.
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Claims the paper makes
3 of 10 cited sources checked · 2 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured
The cited sources support only part of this claim — read each source’s verdict below.
In the paper
“The application of the theory and method of space syntax, which utilizes a graph theoretical approach, allowed us to analyze the through movement potentials for cars and pedestrians using the measure of normalized angular choice (NACH).”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 3. Methods and Data
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [21] Yamu, C., Poplin, A., Devisch, O., and De Roo, G. (2018). Space Syntax: A method to measure urban space related to social, economic and cognitive factors. The Virtual and the Real in Planning and Urban Design: Perspectives, Practices and Applications, Routledge. source
- Partly supportedcites [22] Van Nes, A., and Yamu, C. (2020). Introduction to Space Syntax in Urban Studies, Springer. sourceExperimental — accuracy not yet measured
The book’s About this book section describes space syntax as a method for urban analysis, and its chapter list includes “Analysing Linear Spatial Relationships: The Measures of Connectivity, Integration, and Choice” (pp. 35–86). The available passages do not explain normalized angular choice (NACH) or establish its use to assess through-movement potential for both cars and pedestrians; searches for those terms found no such passage. The citing authors’ statement that the method “allowed us” to conduct their analysis is their own account, not a result attributed to the book. (LLM, conf=0.77)
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesEvery source the paper cites for this claim was checked and supports it.
In the paper
“These technologies can enhance discussion and help build consensus among stakeholders [3].”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 1. Introduction
What the sources say
- Supportedcites [3] Dembski, F., Wössner, U., and Yamu, C. (2019, January 8–13). Digital Twin, Virtual Reality and Space Syntax: Civic engagement and decision support for smart, sustainable cities. Proceedings of the 12th International Space Syntax Conference, Beijing, China. source
The Introduction states that virtual reality environments can enhance discussion and help build consensus among stakeholders. Section 4.4 also reports that virtual models may improve interaction between citizens and local representatives, while cautioning that their effects in real planning processes need further testing. (LLM, conf=0.95)
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passes- Supported
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The urban digital twin model of Herrenberg was all-in-all judged very positively (Figure 8).”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.3. Participant Survey
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesA result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“It was seen as interesting (+2.54), comprehensible (+2.37), concrete (+2.14), clearly arranged (+1.92), entertaining (+1.89), and simple (+1.56).”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.3. Participant Survey
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesA result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“People who already had prior experience with public participation processes rated these attributes, apart from simplicity, very highly.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesA result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Here, the group with prior experience judges the model more negatively in the sense of being complicated compared to the group without prior experience.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.3. Participant Survey
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:correlational· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesA result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“It was seen as interesting (+2.54), comprehensible (+2.37), concrete (+2.14), clearly arranged (+1.92), entertaining (+1.89), and simple (+1.56).”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.3. Participant Survey
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesA result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“It was seen as interesting (+2.54), comprehensible (+2.37), concrete (+2.14), clearly arranged (+1.92), entertaining (+1.89), and simple (+1.56).”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.3. Participant Survey
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesA result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Almost half of the respondents had these experiences as a citizen (46%) or as an official local representative (13%).”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.3. Participant Survey
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesThe paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“On the other hand, hundreds of people were involved in participatory processes by using mobile VR directly on-site during major events (Figure 7).”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.2. Participatory and Collaborative Planning with Urban Digital Twins
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passes
- It may state two separate claims as one. 24
- Probably not a substantial claim. 31
- The quote only partly states this claim. 1
Every source the paper cites for this claim was checked and supports it.
In the paper
“Using an urban digital twin in virtual reality is not only a novel way of using smart technologies for collaborative planning processes, but also facilitates consensus-building among participants with different backgrounds [3].”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 1. Introduction
What the sources say
- Supportedcites [3] Dembski, F., Wössner, U., and Yamu, C. (2019, January 8–13). Digital Twin, Virtual Reality and Space Syntax: Civic engagement and decision support for smart, sustainable cities. Proceedings of the 12th International Space Syntax Conference, Beijing, China. source
The Introduction states the claim nearly verbatim: it describes using an urban digital twin in virtual reality as novel for collaborative planning and as facilitating consensus-building among participants with different backgrounds. (LLM, conf=0.95)
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
- Supported
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This is based on open access data and open source software, giving back sovereignty of the data and access to information to the citizens.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 2. Background: The Smart(er) City
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Three people stated that they had done both before.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.3. Participant Survey
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedn = 3Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Almost everyone who filled out a questionnaire stated perceived positive effects (95% and 97%, respectively).”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of results
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“It was seen as interesting, comprehensible, concrete, clearly arranged, simple, and entertaining.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The respondents wanted to know more about traffic flows, parking situations from Monday to Saturday, or the neighborhoods used only by pedestrians or cyclists.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of Results
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Using collaborative formats like stationary CAVEs or mobile facilities like VR back projection allows the engagement of up to 15 participants at the same time.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.2. Participatory and Collaborative Planning with Urban Digital Twins
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:direct· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✗ Based: failsProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Concreteness and transparency are the two main advantages of virtual models mentioned in the questionnaires.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of Results
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The users of the visualizations in virtual reality were enabled to experience different scales and take their own perspective (e.g., in scale 1:1 but also on any other scale).”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A result the paper reports from its own data — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“They find it to be more concrete, interesting, clearly arranged, entertaining, and comprehensible.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.3. Participant Survey
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:correlational· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“They can help to improve the interaction processes between citizens on the one hand and official local representatives on the other, especially in view of the fact that urban planning processes can be very complex and time-consuming activities.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of Results
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Urban digital twins allow us to pave a path towards sustainable urban development at all scales.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✗ Checkable: fails✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This simulation and combination of data allows investigators to relate emissions to the potential volume of traffic and the distribution of emissions taking wind and factors like temperature and humidity into account.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 3. Methods and Data
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Hence, experienced groups can implicitly or explicitly compare these classical formats with the urban digital twin model of Herrenberg.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of results
Load-bearingStrength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Participatory processes are still mainly carried out using 2D city representations like plans and planning concepts in mainly technical and/or expert language.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Virtual, interactive models remain uncommon in the context of urban planning processes.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Experts and laypeople could interact more efficiently and effectively through better presentation of the complex information in urban planning processes.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✗ Checkable: fails✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This opens up the potential to apply such digital twins in a similar configuration, of course, adapted to the respective situation and problems, to other small and medium-sized cities, of which there are thousands in Europe alone, facing similar challenges due to digital transformation and scarce resources.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✗ Checkable: fails✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“First, it was only a small, non-representative sample.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of Results
Load-bearingStrength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The Herrenberg digital twin differs from other simulation-based studies in the field of smart cities, in particular by linking and combining various urban data from models, analysis, and simulation and by the implementation of social data collected from citizens.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 1. Introduction
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The urban digital twin allowed us to gain a better understanding of potential solutions for urban challenges involving public decision-making to reach consensus.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✗ Checkable: fails✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This makes participation more attractive and can include groups of people that are otherwise not easily reached by such formats, such as children, teenagers, residents with a migration background, language barriers, or with a low level of education.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.2. Participatory and Collaborative Planning with Urban Digital Twins
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This supports the involvement of a significant number of people in multiple sessions.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.2. Participatory and Collaborative Planning with Urban Digital Twins
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:direct· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The quote only partly states this claim.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“However, by its nature as a model, the urban digital twin does not include all the information from the physical world and real life.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim.
The paper states this without a source or data behind it here, so there is nothing to check it against. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The processing of these big data sets and simulations in real-time requires high-performance computing (HPC).”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 3. Methods and Data
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:direct· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✗ Based: failsProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“We do not know how well the models will actually work under real-life conditions.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of Results
Load-bearingStrength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim.
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The collected data was gathered under consideration of data protection and after the participants had been informed accordingly and subsequently anonymized.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 3. Methods and Data
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Furthermore, the visualization in virtual reality (“virtual twin”) not only enables broad citizen participation but also collaboration between stakeholders.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 1. Introduction
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
- Rests on an assumption: The advantage of using virtual reality environments is that different participants with diverging professional and personal backgrounds can be informed simultaneously.
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Second, we have only the view of our respondents.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of Results
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“It has the potential to enable decision-makers to gain an understanding of the added value and limitation of digital technologies in the context of urban systems and applies digital technologies as a solution-oriented holistic approach.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✗ Checkable: fails✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Including historical data allows for a more accurate prediction of future scenarios.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 3. Methods and Data
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:direct· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✗ Based: failsProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
In the paper
“Digital twins enable comprehensive data exchange and can contain models, simulations, and algorithms describing their counterpart, including its features and behavior in the real world [2].”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 1. Introduction
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [2] Kuhn, 2018, Digitaler Zwilling, Informatik Spektrum source
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:direct· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This is especially helpful in participatory processes to facilitate communication, to involve large heterogeneous groups of citizens, and, consequently, to build consensus.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✗ Checkable: fails✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
- Rests on an assumption: Some complex data are difficult or impossible to understand in any other form, especially for laymen or for people unfamiliar with the subject.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Of course, the urban digital twin cannot cover all aspects of real life or meet all expectations of participants in visualizations.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of Results
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
In the paper
“Digital tools can support citizen participation, but must be embedded in ʺserious dialoguesʺ that are valued by policymakers [25].”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.2. Participatory and Collaborative Planning with Urban Digital Twins
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [25] Renn, O., Ulmer, F., and Deckert, A. (2020). Digital tools in stakeholder participation for the Germany Energy Transition. Can digital tools improve participation and its outcome?. The Role of Public Participation in Energy Transitions, Academic Press Imprint. source
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✗ Checkable: fails✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This could be applied, for example, by facilitating communication processes between experts and laypeople through better presentation of complex information.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of results
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim.
In the paper
“This simulation uses a microscopic, space continuous, and time discrete car-following and lane-changing model [23].”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 3. Methods and Data
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [23] 2010, Traffic Simulation with SUMO—Simulation of Urban Mobiliy, Fundamentals of Traffic Simulation source
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The prototype of a digital twin for urban planning, set up in Herrenberg, has the potential to tackle urban complexity by visualizing complex processes and dependencies in urban systems, simulating possible outcomes, and impacts and taking into account the heterogeneous needs and requirements of its citizens by enabling participatory and collaborative planning.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 2. Background: The Smart(er) City
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✗ Based: failsProbably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
- Rests on an assumption: Conventional planning tools and methods fail to deal with the complexity of urban systems, as well as with the understanding of citizen needs and requirements.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Changes and the representation of, e.g., variants, future designs, or visions were only possible in this form in virtual reality.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.2. Participatory and Collaborative Planning with Urban Digital Twins
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✗ Based: failsProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Third, the implicit or explicit links to former participation formats in the minds of our respondents were done by the research team in our context.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of Results
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:direct· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✗ Based: failsProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Model validation and consolidation were carried out with a questionnaire with 39 participants, enabling us to evaluate the meaningfulness of our approach.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“This information allows us to adjust the urban digital twin to the needs of citizens in order to provide an easy-to-comprehend model for the growing complexity of cities and towns.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✗ Checkable: fails✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
In the paper
“Furthermore, Batty (2018) stated that there remains a strong need for additional social, economic, and environmental data [1].”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
What the sources say
- Not checked — no full text of the sourcecites [1] Batty, 2018, Digital twins, Environ. Plan. B Urban Anal. City Sci. source
Load-bearingStrength:boosted· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim.
In the paper
“In general, the Stuttgart hinterland can be characterized by a high traffic volume, mainly due to the high dependency on commuting, fragmented communities, and a lack of spatial governance [24].”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.1. Case Study: The Town of Herrenberg, Germany
What the sources say
- Not checked yetcites [24] Brenner Ingenieurgesellschaft GmbH (2014). Verkehrsvarianten zur Entlastung der Innenstadt, Stadt Herrenberg. Report.
Strength:plain· not yet calibratedCausal:direct· not yet calibratedTests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes? Load-bearing: unclear✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
What the paper did — it cites no source for this, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Here, as is often the case, data acquisition was also an issue: due to the complex nature of responsibilities, it was difficult to obtain comprehensive BIM data.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 3. Methods and Data
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✗ Load-bearing: fails✓ Based: passesProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“The urban digital twin, as set up in Herrenberg, embraces both.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 5. Conclusions
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
- Rests on an assumption: Smart city projects demand two crucial competencies: an understanding of the impact of implementing digital technologies in the context of urban systems, and integrating solutions that overcome departmental thinking.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Understanding spatial configuration not only allows us to develop scenarios but also to test them against the whole system.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 3. Methods and Data
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
A conclusion the paper draws from its own results — it cites no other source for it, so there is none to check. The quote shows it is in the paper.
In the paper
“Following this assumption, the fact that the model is judged more positively on five of the six dimensions by people with prior experience compared to people without this experience leads to the conclusion that virtual models have the potential to improve participatory processes.”
§ Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany > 4.4. Discussion of results
Tests✓ Asserted: passes✓ Checkable: passes✓ Load-bearing: passes✓ Based: passesIt may state two separate claims as one.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Participatory processes are still mainly carried out using 2D city representations like plans and planning concepts in mainly technical and/or expert language.
- The authors state this as an assumption: Virtual, interactive models remain uncommon in the context of urban planning processes.
The paper relies on this without support.
Herrenberg's historical core is strongly affected by car traffic due to earlier planning decisions and implementation.
“Its historical core, however, is strongly affected by car traffic due to earlier planning decisions and implementation.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Conventional planning tools and methods fail to deal with the complexity of urban systems, as well as with the understanding of citizen needs and requirements.
“Conventional planning tools and methods fail to deal with the complexity of urban systems, as well as with the understanding of citizen needs and requirements.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The advantage of using virtual reality environments is that different participants with diverging professional and personal backgrounds can be informed simultaneously.
“The advantage of using virtual reality environments-such as stereoscopic back projection units, large 3D display respectively tiled display systems or CAVEs (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), for example-is that different participants with diverging professional and personal backgrounds can be informed simultaneously.”
The authors state this as an assumption.
Participatory processes are still mainly carried out using 2D city representations like plans and planning concepts in mainly technical and/or expert language.
“We suspect that participatory processes are still mainly carried out using 2D city representations like plans and planning concepts in mainly technical and/or expert language.”
The authors state this as an assumption.
Virtual, interactive models remain uncommon in the context of urban planning processes.
“Virtual, interactive models remain uncommon in the context of urban planning processes.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The town of Herrenberg is affected by a high traffic load and a certain amount of air pollution.
“The town located in the peri-urban region of Stuttgart is affected by a high traffic load and, consequently, a certain amount of air pollution.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Only a few smart city projects have been singularly successful.
“it is not surprising that only a few have been singularly successful.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Smart city projects demand two crucial competencies: an understanding of the impact of implementing digital technologies in the context of urban systems, and integrating solutions that overcome departmental thinking.
“Smart city projects demand two crucial competencies: an understanding of the impact of implementing digital technologies in the context of urban systems, and integrating solutions that overcome departmental thinking.”
The paper relies on this without support.
If these competencies are not taken into account, the great potential of digital technologies and solutions remains unused.
“If these competencies are not taken into account, the great potential of digital technologies and solutions remains unused.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Some complex data are difficult or impossible to understand in any other form, especially for laymen or for people unfamiliar with the subject.
“Some complex data are difficult or impossible to understand in any other form, especially for laymen or for people unfamiliar with the subject.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“City-scale DTs are used to improve the quality of life, mobility and services of the citizens [22] in such a way that technological advances are people-centered and improve the quality of life of citizens rather than achieve economic efficiency [23].”
From Digital Twin Technology Challenges and Applications: A Comprehensive Review (2022) · cites this paper as [23]
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Using an urban digital twin in virtual reality is not only a novel way of using smart technologies for collaborative planning processes, but also facilitates consensus-building among participants with different backgrounds [3].”
From Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany (2020) · cites this paper as [3]
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“These technologies can enhance discussion and help build consensus among stakeholders [3].”
From Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany (2020) · cites this paper as [3]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Arnstein citation points to a Glaeser reference
MinorThe text attributes the cited point to Arnstein (1969), but reference [4] lists a 2006 work by Glaeser and colleagues.
“As Arnstein (1969) points out, it needs real power and not only empty rituals to affect the outcome of such processes [4].”
“4. Glaeser, E.L.; Ponzetto, G.; Shleifer, A. Why Does Democracy Need Education? NBER Working Paper Series; Working Paper 12128; NBER: Cambridge, MA, USA, 2006; p. 45.”
Citations
Cites
Conceptualizing smart city with dimensions of technology, people, and institutions
Nam, T., & Pardo, T. A. (2011) · Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research · doi:10.1145/2037556.2037602 · Cited by 2,885 · cited 1×
“Some authors are combining the sustainable and smart city approach [16–18], and for others, the concept is considered to be a response to global climate change or a step in an e ff ort to make city management more e ff ective, or even to try to attract more Y and Z generations, which are often seen…”
BackgroundCurrent trends in Smart City initiatives: Some stylised facts
Neirotti, P., De Marco, A., Cagliano, A. C., Mangano, G., & Scorrano, F. (2014) · Cities · doi:10.1016/j.cities.2013.12.010 · Cited by 2,322
Batty, M. (2013) · doi:10.7551/mitpress/9399.001.0001 · Cited by 1,700 · cited 3×
“…active shutter glasses [5] for the participants (photo credited to Dembski, 2019). tracking system [2], computer [3,4], a 3D-projector, and active shutter glasses [5] for the participants Citizen participation using the digital twin in VR proceeded well; at least that was our subjective opinion.”
BackgroundInfluentialA Smart City Initiative: the Case of Barcelona
Bakıcı, T., Almirall, E., & Wareham, J. (2013) · Journal of the Knowledge Economy · doi:10.1007/s13132-012-0084-9 · Cited by 1,163
Smart Cities: Quality of Life, Productivity, and the Growth Effects of Human Capital
Shapiro, J. M. (2006) · The Review of Economics and Statistics · doi:10.1162/rest.88.2.324 · Cited by 1,060 · cited 1×
“The definition of the matter ranges from the interrelationship between the education of the urban population, local amenities and attractiveness for educated citizens [11,12], and emphasizing the importance of the creative class [13] up to theories describing cities or projects that use information and communication t…”
BackgroundBohemia and economic geography
Florida, R. L. (2002) · Journal of Economic Geography · doi:10.1093/jeg/2.1.55 · Cited by 784 · cited 1×
“…of the urban population, local amenities and attractiveness for educated citizens [11,12], and emphasizing the importance of the creative class [13] up to theories describing cities or projects that use information and communication technologies in order to improve the life quality of their…”
BackgroundWhy does democracy need education?
Glaeser, E. L., Ponzetto, G. A. M., & Shleifer, A. (2007) · Journal of Economic Growth · doi:10.1007/s10887-007-9015-1 · Cited by 723
Batty, M. (2018) · Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science · doi:10.1177/2399808318796416 · Cited by 551 · cited 2×
“Furthermore, Batty (2018) stated that there remains a strong need for additional social, economic, and environmental data [1].”
BackgroundUrban Resurgence and the Consumer City
Glaeser, E. L., & Gottlieb, J. D. (2006) · Urban Studies · doi:10.1080/00420980600775683 · Cited by 439
Cauvain, J., & Kingston, R. (2013) · Environment and Planning A Economy and Space · doi:10.1068/a46242 · Cited by 416 · cited 1×
“…and ethical implications of the development of these digital technologies, as well as the growing influence of technology giants on city economics, the freedom and privacy of its inhabitants [19] are a separate issue and not taken into account adequately within many of these definitions and concepts.”
Background
Flagged first, then by citations
6 of the 29 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.
Research works printed but not linked: 2
- Caragliu, A., Del Bo, C., and Nijkamp, P. (2009, January 7–9). Smart Cities in Europe. Proceedings of the 3rd Central European Conference in Regional Science, Košice, Slovakia.
- Renn, O., Ulmer, F., and Deckert, A. (2020). Digital tools in stakeholder participation for the Germany Energy Transition. Can digital tools improve participation and its outcome?. The Role of Public Participation in Energy Transitions, Academic Press Imprint.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Items 501–600 of 620
Urban Walkability: A Digital Twin Approach for Urban Regenerative Development
Pham, V. H., Wagenfeld, M., & Bernhaupt, R. (2024) · Lecture notes in computer science · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-64576-1_13
Geodesign for Environmental Resilience
Cureton, P. (2024) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-67776-3_34-2
Selvakumar, S., Jayaraman, S., Subramani, S. V., Pravin, S. C., Radhakrishnan, G., & Karuppiah, P. (2024) · doi:10.1002/9781394195336.ch8
Koithyar, A., Venkataramana, A., Kavin, B. P., & Seng, G. H. (2024) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781394195336.ch15
Josse, F., & Riss, S. (2024) · SHS Web of Conferences · doi:10.1051/shsconf/202419803003
“La notion de résilience ainsi que celle des risques naturels y sont également représentées de façons conséquentes [19, 24, 34, 37–42 En ce qui concerne l’énergie, les jumeaux numériques sont principalement utilisés pour la gestion de la production à travers par exemple la simulation du potentiel…”
BackgroundMapYog - Intelligent Spatiotemporal Data Explorer
Sharma, A., Gupta, M., Junaid, M., et al. (2024) · doi:10.1145/3681780.3697250
An Epistemological-Political Meta-Account of Digital Urban Twins
Listo, T. (2024) · Lecture notes in networks and systems · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-74679-6_31
Franco, A. D. (2024) · Lecture notes in networks and systems · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-74679-6_30
Osama, Z. (2024) · Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation/Advances in science, technology & innovation · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-63203-7_17
Enhancing Land Use Patterns Understanding with Multi-Sensor, Multi-Temporal Metrics
Muñoz, R., Ríos, S. A., & Graña, M. (2024) · Procedia Computer Science · doi:10.1016/j.procs.2024.09.320
Applications of Digital Twin Technology in Consumer Energy Services
Al‐Bazi, A., & Al-Khafajiy, M. (2024) · Urban sustainability · doi:10.1007/978-981-97-8483-7_8
Local Digital Twins for Smart Cities: Opportunities for Evidence-Informed Decision-Making
Raes, L., Concilio, G., Doran, C., et al. (2025) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-81451-8_3
Visualizing and Presenting Qualitative Data
(2025) · IGI Global eBooks · doi:10.4018/979-8-3693-7200-5.ch011
Elsehrawy, R., & Kumar, B. (2025) · doi:10.1680/978-1-83662-234-520251005
Biswas, J., & Antipova, A. (2025) · Land · doi:10.3390/land14051025 · Cited by 2
Отечественный и зарубежный опыт трехмерного моделирования городов
Щукина, В. Н. (2025) · Industrial Economics · doi:10.47576/2949-1886.2025.3.3.023
6. Har digital tvilling praktisk verdi for norsk planlegging? Ei sonderande oversikt
Straume, K., & Bårdseth, G. A. (2025) · Universitetsforlaget eBooks · doi:10.18261/9788215069968-25-06
Conceito multidimensional para o planejamento urbano de cidades inteligentes
da Silva, A. L. C., & de Godoy, J. A. R. (2025) · Periódico Eletrônico Fórum Ambiental da Alta Paulista. · doi:10.17271/1980082721120255730
Çevre alanındaki dijital ikiz çalışmalarının bibliyometrik analiz yöntemi ile incelenmesi
Hışım, B. K. (2025) · Kayseri Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi · doi:10.51177/kayusosder.1686890
Digital Twin Research Trends on Elements of Built Environment
Ors, P. F., & Aslan, M. (2025) · Mimarlık Bilimleri ve Uygulamaları Dergisi (MBUD) · doi:10.30785/mbud.1643310
Future Smart Cities and Sustainable Development
Bhunia, G. S., & Shit, P. K. (2025) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-97473-1_7
Security Solutions for Smart Cities Using Digital Twin
GUPTA, S., & MAGTIBAY, F. M. (2025) · doi:10.1002/9781394411320.ch4
Analysis of Influencing Factors of Information Sharing in Education Big Data Platform
Li, S., & Han, F. S. (2025) · Communications in computer and information science · doi:10.1007/978-981-95-2011-4_16
Toward a model for developing smart city: evidence from Iraq
Ronaghi, M. H., Adday, S., & Askarifar, K. (2025) · International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy · doi:10.1108/ijssp-02-2025-0149
Users’ awareness and expectations from the climate change adaptation digital twin
Terrado, M., Baulenas, E., Versteeg, G. B., Bojović, D., & Doblas-Reyes, F. J. (2025) · Environmental Science & Policy · doi:10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104236
A Complex-Based Rethinking of Communications
Scatà, M. (2025) · Studies in systems, decision and control · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-04243-9_3 · Cited by 1
Smart Cities: A Review on Smart Cities’ Ability to Make Cities Resilient
Sharma, G., Singh, R., Raghuwanshi, S., & Narwaria, T. (2025) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-981-95-1537-0_14
Playful Reconfigurations: Learning, Making, and Playing Geogames for Urban Participation
Förster, N., Drechsel, M., Schubert, G., & Petzold, F. (2025) · Urban Planning · doi:10.17645/up.10675
“A plethora of digital‐city‐twin teams began experimenting with game engines and playful prototypes, ranging from Minecraft models (Schrotter & Hürzeler, 2020, p. 109) to immersive experiences (Dembski et al., 2020, pp. 10–12) and narrative mapping applications (Kitchin & Dawkins, 2025, p. 5).”
Xiao, W., Yu, D., Tang, M., et al. (2025) · International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation · doi:10.1016/j.jag.2025.104980
Rocchi, B., Rosato, P., & Berto, R. (2025) · Ricerche · doi:10.36253/979-12-215-0818-5
Belolipetskaja, D., Rassõlkin, A., Raja, H. A., et al. (2025) · EAI/Springer Innovations in Communication and Computing · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-92143-8_10
Ahmadi, P., Cepolina, E. M., Tavanti, L., & Strambini, L. M. (2025) · Procedia Computer Science · doi:10.1016/j.procs.2025.12.028
Babalola, O. G., & Hammad, A. (2026) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su18010438
A Framework for Autonomous Crowd Management Through Reinforcement Learning and Digital Twins
Kiourt, C., Lygizou, Z., Anestis Koutsoudis, A., & Kalles, D. (2026) · Learning and analytics in intelligent systems · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-06364-9_11 · Cited by 1
Urbanist Metaverse: A Multi-Agent Platform for Knowledge-building in Urban Planning
Özkök, M. K. (2026) · Journal of Metaverse · doi:10.57019/jmv.1682515
Hariyani, D., Hariyani, P., & Mishra, S. (2026) · Sustainable Futures · doi:10.1016/j.sftr.2025.101618
Making futures with urban experiments: picturing, preparing and persuading
Jung, M., Knopf, S., & Mögele, M. (2026) · Urban Transformations · doi:10.1186/s42854-026-00089-x
“This can be seen in a survey TEMPUS planned to compare the increase of awareness about autonomous driving among the test bed residents and in the UDT’s continuous tinkering with new formats and functions.”
InfluentialBayat, M., & Kharel, S. (2026) · Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering · doi:10.1061/jccee5.cpeng-6912
Yapılı Çevre Elemanları Üzerine Dijital İkiz Araştırma Eğilimleri
Ors, P. F., & Aslan, M. (2025) · DergiPark (Istanbul University)
Examination of digital twin studies in the environment field with bibliometric analysis method
Hışım, B. K. (2025) · DergiPark (Istanbul University)
Velasquez-Mendez, A., Lozoya-Santos, J. D. J., Jimenez-Vargas, J. F., et al. (2026) · Communications in computer and information science · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-16851-1_13
Tsoutsa, P., Kyriatzis, V., Fitsilis, P., & Damasiotis, V. (2026) · EAI/Springer Innovations in Communication and Computing · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-11013-8_2
Theorizing the Concept of Smart Citizen: Understanding Its Role in Decision Making Using UMEGA Model
Younus, M., Manaf, H. B. A., Mutiarin, D., et al. (2026) · EAI/Springer Innovations in Communication and Computing · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-11013-8_5
Digital Twin for Smart Cities: Enabling Technologies, Applications, Challenges, and Future Scope
Dahule, R., Dagadkar, S. N., & Kamdi, N. G. (2026) · International Conference on Image Processing and Capsule Networks (ICIPCN) · doi:10.1109/icipcn67432.2026.11438507
“IoT sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and AI-driven analytics are integrated by large-scale platforms like Singapore’s Virtual Singapore to shorten commutes, increase road safety, and cut carbon emissions [2], [11].”
InfluentialOvercoming sustainability challenges with digital twins
Bedekar, M. V., & Mirasdar, I. (2026) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-27388-9.00004-0
Pischulti, P. K., Hwang, M. Y., McComb, C., & Arquilla, K. S. (2026) · Frontiers in Aerospace Engineering · doi:10.3389/fpace.2026.1736392 · Cited by 1
“…al., 2025; Davila-Gonzalez and Martin, 2024) • Crowd or group twinning without modeling of individual level interactions → crew (Fan et al., 2021; Dembski et al., 2020) • Human to human interaction twinning with environment twinning, but in non-aerospace contexts, where individuals are not…”
Predictive monitoring-based digital twin framework for intelligent emergency response systems
Giri, V. V., Jadhav, D. S., Alange, N., et al. (2026) · Advances in computers · doi:10.1016/bs.adcom.2026.02.004
Jumeau numérique support aux pratiques coopératives : application au système ferroviaire
Stalder, C. (2023) · theses.fr (ABES) · doi:10.70675/f8256699zc567z4a74zad23z8e7d170370f2
Xu, X., & Yu, Q. (2026) · Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board · doi:10.1177/03611981261431731
Open data‐based urban models: An assessment for Canadian cities
Glowacki, M., Lu, Y., Pankratz, Z., Cullen, R., Boswick, B., & Kwiatkowski, K. (2026) · Canadian Geographies / Géographies canadiennes · doi:10.1111/cag.70069
Virtual reality as strategic communication: cultural defence in wartime Ukraine
Bjola, C., & Vaselli, F. L. (2026) · European Security · doi:10.1080/09662839.2026.2648216
Hellevik, C. C., Aspen, D. M., Löfström, E., Hassan, R., Klöckner, C. A., & Torres, R. D. S. (2026) · Lecture notes in business information processing · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-25146-6_15
Song, C., & Pengrong, H. (2026) · Climate Sustainability & Global Systems · doi:10.63802/csgs.v1.i1.274
Hologram Walk: Digital Participatory Design Platform for Architectural and Urban Design Project
Phuc, T. L., Le, A. P. T., Le, T. P., et al. (2026) · Applied Sciences · doi:10.3390/app16104612
Digital Twins in Geospatial Science for Urban Planning and Development
Hooda, Y., Mehta, J., & Sharma, L. (2026) · Data-intensive research · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-20311-3_6
Ahmadi, R., & Ghamisi, K. (2026) · Urban Science · doi:10.3390/urbansci10050275
“Urban digital twins extend GIS and PSS traditions by integrating 3D city models, simulation capabilities, and interactive visualization that can support scenario deliberation [35,76,77].”
InfluentialLv, T., Mao, Y., & Ma, Z. (2026) · Electronics · doi:10.3390/electronics15102173
Bouyahrouzi, E. M., Kihel, A. E., Berquedich, M., & Embarki, S. (2026) · Green energy and technology · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-99001-4_38
A Smart City Model for the Türkiye Context Integrating Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence
Karagöz, H., & Çallı, B. A. (2026) · İşletme Bilimi Dergisi · doi:10.22139/jobs.1774426
Digital Twins: Evolution, Challenges, and Sustainability
Chaudhuri, D., & Chakrabarty, U. K. (2026) · Lecture notes in networks and systems · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-27160-0_22
Closed-Loop Intelligence Architectures for Data-Driven Smart Cities
Fernandes, J., Guimarães, J., de Carvalho, A. S., Rosa, L., Mendon, A., Portugal, D., Viegas, C., & Cordeiro, L. (2026) · International World Wide Web Conference (WWW) · doi:10.1145/3774905.3795857
“State-of-the-art (SotA) work increasingly treats urban digital twins not only as visualisation artefacts but as decision theatres: a space where stakeholders can compare scenarios, examine uncertainty, and co-ordinate actions [14].”
Development of an Urban Digital Twin Based on Geospatial Data: A Case Study of Busan, South Korea
Jeong, T., Jeong, D., & Kim, M. (2026) · ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information · doi:10.3390/ijgi15060247
“Dembski, F. et al. [26] developed an urban digital twin prototype for Herrenberg, Germany, to facilitate collaborative planning and democratic citizen participation.”
Leewis, S., Smit, K., van Meerten, J., et al. (2026) · doi:10.18690/um.fov.4.2026.66
Urban circularity digital twin to support decision-making for sustainable mobility
Noronha, M., Cruz, S. R. S., Kubo, V., & Gejer, L. (2026) · Discover Cities · doi:10.1007/s44327-026-00294-0
“Most examples found in the SLM discuss building stock”
Key technologies of digital twins
Sado, K. A. (2026) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-43896-7.00039-x
Integrating urban sustainability and green technologies for smart cities and future generations
Singh, R., Nupoor, N., Kandpal, V., & Gupta, M. B. (2026) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-27584-5.00009-1
Chen, Y., Luo, X., & Ma, X. H. (2026) · Land · doi:10.3390/land15061102
Palacios-Carrasco, A., González, E. M., & Fernández-Lozano, J. J. (2026) · Journal of Building Performance Simulation · doi:10.1080/19401493.2026.2693512
A Scoping Review of Digital Twins Across Environmental and Territorial Applications
Artioli, L., Borga, G., Costa, P., D’Acunto, F., & Iodice, F. (2026) · Digital · doi:10.3390/digital6030053 · Cited by 1
“DTs are being applied as civic tools for fostering citizen engagement [40,41] and might advance community empowerment, which are foundational principles of equitable and participatory governance in urban as well as inner areas [10].”
Alashi, A. T. Y., & Ertekin, Ö. (2026) · Buildings · doi:10.3390/buildings16132573
Ostermann, M., Platzbecker, A. S., Welzel, C., Gilbert, S., & Freyer, O. (2026) · npj Health Systems · doi:10.1038/s44401-026-00109-9
“DTs are de fi ned as sophisticated simulations of existing real-world entities that are constantly updated with real-time data 49 , already used in multiple sectors 50 – 52 .”
A bike-sharing hybrid deep learning model: the London and New York cases
Moses, E., & Murcio, R. (2026) · Urban Transitions · doi:10.1016/j.ubtr.2026.100049
Digital Twins for Visual Inspection of Large Structures: A Systematic Review
Das, G., Honnavalli, P. B., & Balasubramanyam, A. (2026) · IEEE Access · doi:10.1109/access.2026.3710668 · Cited by 1
“…RTC [89], Trimble [46], [86], Topcon 2000 [147], Reigl VZ [82], [86], [129], [141] 3) Phase-based laser scanners: Faro Focus [52], [59], [127], [140], [141], [148], Leica Blk [53], [82], [87], [120], [132] and Reigl VUX [110] 4) Underwater ROV: Blue ROV [56] 5) Drone: DJI Mavic [71], [95],…”
Wu, C., Tang, J., & Abdulzaher, M. A. A. (2026) · Buildings · doi:10.3390/buildings16142704
Mobility Digital Twins over the Cloud–Edge Continuum: The Castellammare Di Stabia Case Study
Napolitano, M., di Torrepadula, F. R., Somma, A., Martino, B. D., & Mazzocca, N. (2026) · Lecture notes on data engineering and communications technologies · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-30573-2_13
Antonio, C., & Romero, J. C. (2026) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su18147100
Clarifying digital Twin buzzword: a novel generic evaluation model
Liu, Z., Araghi, S. N., Sarkar, A., & Karray, M. H. (2026) · Digital Twin · doi:10.1080/27525783.2026.2694877 · Cited by 5
Yang, S., Sun, M., Wang, Y., et al. (2026) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su18147261
Kabashkin, I. (2026) · Machine Learning and Knowledge Extraction · doi:10.3390/make8070210
“As a result, the system evolves from a simple measurement infrastructure into a data-driven energy management ecosystem [28].”
Engineering a 2.5D Urban Twin: Semantic GeoAI Discovery and Blockchain-Provenanced Updates
Nicula, A.-S. (2026) · International Conference on Frontiers of Engineering and Emerging Technologies (FET) · doi:10.1109/fet68771.2026.11601399
“The implementation addresses these through explicit versioning producing deterministic snapshots [9], vector-based semantic search enabling natural language catalog queries [10], and blockchain-anchored provenance recording cryptographic signatures while keeping geodata off-chain [11].”
Wang, Y., Zhao, W., Ye, W., et al. (2026) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su18147352
Urban digital twin governance readiness and institutional trust: Panel evidence from the EU
Zhou, W., & Kriviņš, A. (2026) · Open Research Europe · doi:10.12688/openreseurope.24443.1
Müller, C. J., & Hersperger, A. M. (2026) · Standort · doi:10.1007/s00548-026-01058-z
Smart point cloud–guided 3D gaussian splatting for urban modeling and data-driven analysis
Yu, Y., Wang, Z., Zhang, G., et al. (2026) · Sustainable Cities and Society · doi:10.1016/j.scs.2026.107753
Digital Twins for Urban Planning
Richa, Tyagi, A. K., & Kumar, U. (2026) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-981-96-1800-2_31-1
Abewardhana, A. A. B. D. P., Lakmali, R. G. N., & Genovese, P. V. (2026) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0355100
“To guarantee reproducibility and data processing, model development and assessment activities, all operations were carried out within the controlled computational setting on open-source software [47].”
Digital twins and AI in civil engineering: a sustainability review from Colombia
Pradilla, M. M. S., Castellanos, N. T., Guevara, E. H., & Torres, K. T. (2026) · Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering Sustainability · doi:10.1680/jensu.25.00218
van Bruggen, A. R., Hoekstra, J., Claassen, L., et al. (2026) · Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems · doi:10.1080/10286608.2026.2710079
Tiwari, A., & Qaffas, Y. (2026) · Automation · doi:10.3390/automation7040122
Martínez, I. C., Jara, A. J., & Fernández‐Breis, J. T. (2026) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su18158017
Developing Executive Academic Programs to Support Smart City Governance and Planning
Patel, M. (2026) · Unveiling seven continents yearbook journal · doi:10.65326/u7y.specsdg10009
IoT Enabled Digital Twins for Smart Walkability Planning: A Policy-Oriented Framework
Senthil, M. (2026) · International Conference on Applying New Technology in Green Buildings (ATiGB) · doi:10.1109/atigb70203.2026.11628202
“Second, the 34.1% mean improvement in index accuracy over static GIS methods is consistent with the performance gap identified by Dembski et al. [16] between static 3D city models and dynamically updated DTs.”
InfluentialDigital twin application in school facilities management
salunke, S., Nanda, S., Kumari, S., & Tyagi, A. K. (2026) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-41632-3.00013-8
Digital twin in smart education: Challenges, limitations, and case studies
Abdalzaher, M. S. (2026) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-41632-3.00032-1
Gêmeos digitais para a escalabilidade da iluminação pública sustentável: O caso do Living Lab CePIL
Demantova, G., Jannuzzi, G. D. M., de Azevedo, A. T., Sanchez, O., & Dantas, B. C. (2026) · doi:10.5151/4gkd2026-3306
3D Computer Graphics Applications in Geological Information System
Huang, Y., & Zhang, D. (2026) · Encyclopedia of GIS · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-23519-6_1711-1
Beyond Compliance: Skeptical Intelligence for Digital Twin Governance in Critical Infrastructure
Daya, B. B., Audy, J., & Ben‐Daya, M. (2026) · Smart Cities · doi:10.3390/smartcities9090136
Metadata
- Authors
- Dembski, F., Wössner, U., Letzgus, M., Ruddat, M., & Yamu, C.
- Affiliations
- High-Performance Computing Center Stuttgart (HLRS), Nobelstraße 19, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (DE)
- University of Stuttgart (DE)
- University of Groningen (NL)
- Corresponding author
- Yamu, Claudia
- Venue
- Sustainability
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Published
- 2020-03-16
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 2307
- ISSN
- 2071-1050 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W3011950450
- Semantic Scholar
- 12620db190497050f70e1d1a29cf6e1a18898992
- Cited by
- 622
- References
- 29
- Citations by year
- 2026: 111 · 2025: 136 · 2024: 145 · 2023: 99 · 2022: 74 · 2021: 45 · 2020: 12
- FWCI
- 29.57
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Sustainability (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- OPUS Publication Server of the University of Stuttgart (University of Stuttgart) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Fraunhofer-Publica (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- Fraunhofer-Publica (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Universitätsbibliothek Stuttgart (cc-by)
- Funders
- Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg (Living Labs: City Districts 4.0)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Urban Studies › Smart Cities and Technologies
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › 3D Modeling in Geospatial Applications
- Social Sciences › Geography, Planning and Development › Geographic Information Systems Studies
- Keywords
- urban digital twins, smart cities, citizen participation, participatory urban planning, Herrenberg, space syntax, street network analysis, urban mobility simulation, wind field simulation, volunteered geographic information, virtual reality visualization, public workshops, decision support, democratic city
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
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