The power of 3D: How Groningen uses the Digital Twin for smart urban development
- Future Insight
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
What is the added value of a 3D Digital Twin for a municipality? And how does Groningen use this technology? In this interview with Leontien Spoelstra, until December 2024 advisor Geo & Data at the municipality of Groningen and since January 1, 2025 team leader BOR policy, projects and participation, we discover how a 3D City Model is not only a visual aid, but a powerful platform that contributes to better decision-making, more efficient processes and more support among residents. Leontien has made an important contribution to the development and implementation of the 3D City Model in Groningen.
Who is Leontien Spoelstra?
Leontien has been working for the municipality of Groningen for more than ten years and has played a crucial role in the development and implementation of the Digital Twin. Until the end of 2024 she was a Geo & Data advisor and since January 1, 2025 she is team leader BOR policy, projects and participation. With her expertise in the field of geo-information and 3D models she has helped to make data accessible to policy makers and residents.
“My role is very dynamic,” says Leontien. “I work on the vision behind the Digital Twin, research new technologies and advise the municipality on their use. I also supervise pilot projects and connect the various departments within the municipality.”
How did the Digital Twin come about?
The first steps towards the Digital Twin were taken ten years ago, when there were plans for a tram route in Groningen. To visualise the effects, part of the city was modelled in 3D. Although the tram project was eventually cancelled, the 3D model remained.
“Five years ago, the demand for 3D models started to increase significantly,” says Leontien. “Students and designers wanted to experiment with it, and the need also grew within the municipality. We realized that 3D was the future and decided to develop a joint vision: 3D would become the standard.”
This vision led to a broader approach, in which not only individual projects were developed in 3D, but an integrated platform was set up: the Digital Twin. This was made possible by close cooperation between different departments and a solid governance structure in which roles and responsibilities were clearly defined.
What does the Digital Twin deliver?
"The Digital Twin contains all managed data: both our own data and public, added datasets," says Leontien. "Think of buildings, which we extract from the basic registration - a combination of BAG and BGT - and which we have had processed into 3D. In addition, we have trees, sewers, and soon also cables, pipes and public lighting in the model." Together with the advanced functionalities such as visibility analyses, sunlight studies and heat stress measurements, the digital twin is a powerful tool for urban planning and policy-making.
A concrete example is the use of the Digital Twin in the installation of solar panels on monumental roofs. “We were able to determine exactly which roofs were suitable or not via visual analyses, without lengthy physical inspections,” Leontien explains. This not only saves time, but also prevents objections from residents and unexpected costs.
The Digital Twin was also used in the redevelopment of the entertainment area. “We ran simulations to determine optimal locations for cameras and simulations to see where rainwater accumulates. This helps us to better design the public space.”
In addition, the Digital Twin plays a major role in participation and decision-making. “Residents can see how their neighborhood is changing in an interactive 3D environment. This leads to fewer questions and more understanding, which makes projects run more smoothly.”
For urban planning and management, the Digital Twin also offers major advantages. "In the urban design department, the added value lies mainly in the visualization of new construction plans," says Leontien. "This is now becoming the standard: designing based on the models from the Digital Twin. For urban management, for example, it is valuable that we can see exactly at what depth the sewerage is located." And so the possibilities for using the Digital Twin continue to expand.
Call for cooperation
According to Leontien, the biggest challenge now lies in setting up a national standard for 3D data. “Not every municipality has the resources to set up a Digital Twin, but many spatial issues transcend municipal boundaries. A joint approach and standards are essential.”
She advocates a platform in which municipalities can easily share and exchange data. “By working together and managing data in a uniform manner, we can make the Netherlands smarter and more sustainable.”
With the Digital Twin, Groningen is taking a major step in the digitalization of the physical living environment. Other municipalities can learn from this and collaborate to use this technology more broadly for more efficient and better informed urban development.
Want to know more?
Discover how a Digital Twin can help your municipality with more efficient urban planning and better decision-making.
Contact Dominique Goes.
