​The ability to create a digital representation of a building, neighbourhood or infrastructure network is becoming a powerful method in transforming the way cities are designed globally.

The technology, which involves creating a digital clone of a real-world object or system, dubbed a ‘digital twin’, has a profound impact on architecture and urbanism across sectors.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and the Department of Development Planning: City Transformation have launched a project that entails the development and piloting of the City of Johannesburg’s first Inner City Spatial Model.

The initiative aims to collect, capture, share, test and analyse relevant data of the Inner-City area defined by the Urban Development Zone (UDZ).

It involves conducting an urban quality assessment and building a 3D model of the pilot area with the goal of creating the City’s first digital twin that will improve planning decision making.

This model seeks to test new and innovative ways of capturing and displaying spatial data for the inner city and to develop a three-dimensional digital twin for a pilot study area within the inner city boundaries.

The ultimate objective is to use this model for better informed policy formulation and development decision making as well as a data platform onto which new data can be submitted and viewed on an ongoing basis.

It is envisioned during the initial phases of the project, the model would host a number of Geographic Information System functionalities such as viewing different sets of spatial layers, composing detailed area maps and viewing spatial policies to determine the direct impact of such policies on a specific site. This model would have multiple benefits for a range of diverse stakeholders.

Digital Jozi, a marketing and communication campaign focused on developing an active online community, will encourage a two-way conversation to help guide the development of the model platform.

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