Implementation Maturity Levels of Digital Twin Technology and Data Content Design for Flood Digital Twin

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? This article proposes a new possible division of phases of digital twin maturity levels. The article also proposes a categorization of data types and a specific way of obtaining, implementing and monitoring them for digital twin technology aimed at mitigating the risk and impact of floods. What are the implications of the main finding? The article describes essential elements for building proper, effective and rapid flood management tools. The article gives recommendations on how the digital twin concept can help in the prevention and mitigation of floods. This study examines the potential of digital twin (DT) technology to strengthen urban security, with a specific focus on flood risk management in smart cities. A DT is understood as a virtual representation of real-world assets and processes, continuously synchronised with data from the physical environment. Building on an analysis of the existing DT literature and maturity assessment, identified operational requirements and the authors’ expertise in crisis management, this study proposes a structured set of DT maturity levels with stage boundary conditions and illustrative measurable indications and designs a maturity-driven data content model for a flood-oriented DT. The framework identifies essential data layers, sensing requirements and integration mechanisms necessary for representing hydrological, infrastructural and environmental conditions at operationally meaningful update frequencies. This study further outlines the conceptual architecture of a flood DT and discusses its potential to support prediction, situational awareness and decision making across crisis management phases. By providing recommendations for DT implementation and highlighting opportunities for future development, this study contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance the resilience and safety of urban areas through advanced digital technologies.