Identifying similarities and differences of NMAs to better understand the impact of Digital Twins: Results and Perspectives from a recent EuroSDR Questionnaire

Organiser: Jack Metcalfe (University College London), Claire Ellul (University College London)

Digital Twins (DTs) are use case specific virtual representations of the real-world, updated at an appropriate frequency, and characterised by bi-directionality (i.e. virtually representing reality and then controlling that reality), temporality and extensive data integration. Geospatial data is an implicit foundation to many DTs. 

National Mapping Agencies (NMAs) are often treated as a homogenous group in policy and research contexts, such as in the question: “What is the role of NMAs in Digital Twins (DTs)?”. Despite this, we know from past studies, such as those on the development of automated generalisation, that NMAs have diverse backgrounds and experiences that impact how new developments and adaptations manifest.

With the emergence of DTs, understanding NMA similarities and differences is essential to understand their impact on individual NMAs and for providing tailored recommendations.

This webinar will present the results of a recent EuroSDR questionnaire completed by 15 NMA members on the topics of business models, country contexts, decision making structures and current engagements with DTs. 

This session will: 

• Provide an overview of the questionnaire results
• Propose a typology of NMAs within EuroSDR
• Discuss what these different NMA types mean in the context of Digital Twins
• Present a research agenda for the next year

There will be 15 minutes at the end of the webinar for questions and discussion.