Revolutionising Spatial Data: The NSW Spatial Digital Twin
Image credit: Bathurst Spatial Digital Twin, courtesy of the Department of Customer Service Spatial Services, NSW.
The New South Wales (NSW) Spatial Digital Twin project represents a groundbreaking initiative undertaken by the Department of Customer Service Spatial Services (DCS Spatial Services) to modernise the management of spatial data across the state. As the world shifts towards smarter infrastructure management, digital twins have emerged as essential tools for real-time monitoring, analysis, and simulation of physical assets and systems.
Woolpert played a pivotal role in this ambitious project, contributing to the development of key applications that underpin the NSW Digital Twin, setting a new standard for spatial data management in Australia.
What is the NSW Spatial Digital Twin?
A digital twin is a highly sophisticated virtual model that mirrors real-world assets, systems, or processes. It enables real-time insights into infrastructure, environmental systems, and urban developments. The NSW Digital Twin was designed to create a detailed and interactive digital representation of the state’s infrastructure, aimed at improving how spatial data is accessed, visualised, and used to inform decisions by government agencies, private organisations, and the public.
By 2022, the NSW Spatial Digital Twin had already integrated many datasets, providing a comprehensive view of the state’s infrastructure, built and natural environments, and planning information. This extensive resource has proven instrumental in improving decision-making across the state.
The project wasn’t just about upgrading existing technologies. It marked a significant shift in how spatial data could be utilised to support NSW’s vision of smarter, more connected cities. It also aligns with the state government’s “NSW Smart Places” strategy, which focuses on leveraging digital solutions to enhance liveability, sustainability, and resilience in urban and regional areas.
Spatial Services recognised the increasing demand for modern tools to manage and integrate vast amounts of spatial data, fostering collaboration and improving decision-making.
Key Applications: Driving the NSW Spatial Digital Twin
At the heart of the NSW Spatial Digital Twin project are three core applications developed to streamline spatial data access and visualisation.
During the project Spatial Services and Schools Infrastructure NSW (SINSW), with the help of Woolpert, proved the value of the Digital Twin Asset by collaborating on a SINSW internal application to deploy and integrate the Explorer Application on premises with SINSW’s Oracle asset management system. Providing a holistic view of all NSW School assets.
These tools form the backbone of Spatial Services’ efforts to modernise data management, ensuring that NSW remains at the forefront of digital infrastructure management:
SDT Data Portal
The SDT Data Portal, built with Woolpert support, is a central hub for managing and cataloguing spatial datasets. Powered by Magda.io, an open-source data discovery platform, it replaces outdated systems and provides advanced search to access spatial information easily. Designed for government and private stakeholders, it ensures quick access to relevant data. The portal hosts over 80 spatial layers, including land zoning, transport networks, and environmental data.
SDT Explorer
The SDT Explorer tool provides an intuitive environment for visualising spatial data in both 2D and 3D. It allows users to overlay multiple datasets, tailoring the presentation to specific business or project needs. By enabling the visualisation of complex spatial relationships, it empowers decision-makers to make informed choices. The tool’s 3D capability is valuable for infrastructure planning, allowing users to view structures like buildings, roads, and bridges in three dimensions, making it easier to simulate developments and evaluate impacts.
Woolpert's Involvement in the NSW Spatial Digital Twin Project
Woolpert’s extensive experience in digital twin technology and spatial data management made it a key partner in the success of the NSW Digital Twin. Woolpert was responsible for the development and implementation of critical applications such as SDT Data Portal and SDT Explorer, which now form the foundation of the NSW Spatial Digital Twin framework.
Project Execution:
The project was executed with over 20 geospatial professionals from Woolpert working across three streams: Portal, Explorer, and Stories. The team comprised architects, front-end developers, UX/UI designers, data analysts, GIS specialists, and consultants, all collaborating to ensure the success of the project. Utilising the Esri JavaScript API 4.xx for native development, Woolpert’s role was not just technical but strategic, guiding the project towards achieving its objectives in data federation and user-friendly design.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP):
Within a six-month timeframe, Woolpert delivered the MVP for all three applications. By running the development streams in parallel, the team ensured that the project-maintained momentum and that dependencies between the applications were managed effectively. The successful delivery of the MVP highlighted Woolpert’s strong project management capabilities and technical expertise in handling complex spatial data projects.
Key Benefits and Technical Highlights
Data Federation
The Explorer contributes to the creation of a federated data catalogue using Magda, serving as a central hub for spatial data integration across sectors.
Spatial Information Integration
The NSW Digital Twin centralises spatial information, replacing outdated tools like the Map Viewer and Collaboration Portal. It boosts accessibility and ensures authoritative data management.
Data Flexibility
The tools enable integration with a wide array of data, such as digital toes (tools) and school infrastructure, ensuring adaptability within the broader ecosystem.
User-Centred Design
Both the Digital Portal and Explorer were crafted with an emphasis on accessibility, offering intuitive interfaces for non-specialist users.
Template Management
The system supports flexible template management, enabling users to switch between templates for different datasets effortlessly.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
The project was supported by a diverse team of architects, data analysts, UX/UI designers, and GIS specialists, bringing comprehensive expertise to the digital twin’s development.
Parallel Development Streams
Woolpert efficiently managed the concurrent development of three key applications (Digital Portal, Explorer, and Stories), ensuring smooth integration and timely delivery.
Digital Portals
A blend of interactive portals and scrolling maps ensures that digital spatial data is easily accessible and well-integrated into workflows.
The Future of Spatial Data in NSW
The NSW Spatial Digital Twin project is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a forward-looking initiative that positions NSW as a leader in digital infrastructure management. With plans for further integration between the Explorer and Stories applications, the NSW Digital Twin framework will continue to evolve, offering even more advanced tools for data visualisation and storytelling.
This initiative serves as a key enabler for projects across industries like urban development, environmental conservation, and infrastructure management, facilitating more efficient and effective planning and collaboration.
About Department of Customer Service Spatial Services
The Department of Customer Service Spatial Services, plays a crucial role in managing and providing access to land and spatial information across New South Wales. They offer comprehensive land and property data, including boundaries, ownership, and valuation details. Their surveying and mapping services produce detailed topographic maps essential for planning, development, and emergency management.
Additionally, they maintain and distribute spatial datasets that support informed decision-making across government, industry, and the community. NSW Spatial Services also aids emergency services with critical spatial information during disasters and manages the NSW Digital Twin, a 3D and 4D visualisation tool for infrastructure and urban development planning.
About Woolpert
Woolpert specialises in identifying how geospatial data, tools, and services can drive your organisation’s success. Across industries, we help integrate geospatial information into business processes, delivering tailored solutions that align with your goals. The digital solutions we provide are the same ones we trust and use within our own operations, ensuring proven effectiveness and reliability.
As the exclusive business partner and Australian distributor of VertiGIS Studio (formerly Geocortex), we assist clients in designing and deploying both on-premises and cloud-hosted VertiGIS Studio solutions. As an Esri Partner, we also bring extensive experience in ArcGIS deployment, application development, and software integration. Our in-depth knowledge of the Esri product suite enables us to deliver customised solutions that meet each customer’s unique needs.
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