[3D Panorama Application] How to use Digital Twins and BIM to accelerate team efficiency

For decades, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been one of the most important production process documents for architectural and design teams. A 3D model is a digital representation of a physical space. While superficially similar, BIM models and digital twins have some key differences. These two complementary technologies can assist architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) teams throughout the entire building lifecycle, from initial planning to quality control in AEC and facility management. Digital twins have also made significant breakthroughs in manufacturing. Matterport is already integrating branded BIM processes and digital twins, reshaping the world of smart buildings.

What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a holistic process for creating and managing information for building assets, from schematic design to operation. The core of the BIM process is the use of 3D models representing core disciplines such as architecture, structure, civil, infrastructure, mechanical, electrical, and more. These 3D models, from software like Revit, Navisworks, and Tekla, are widely used in various industries with numerous use cases, but are particularly important for architecture, engineering, and construction workflows.
 

 

Software like Revit can create dimensionally accurate details that can be aligned with project coordinates, providing stakeholders with a core source of truth throughout the building lifecycle. This makes project management practices from the design phase to the construction phase and into operation more structured and streamlined.

Although 3D modeling software has been around since the mid-2000s, the technology is still evolving. The latest versions of the software leverage artificial intelligence to automatically create more functional models that can be linked with Internet of Things (IoT) devices for broader application opportunities.

What is Digital Twin Technology?
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a real-world physical asset. Digital twins provide immersive, realistic 3D spatial exploration, enabling different stakeholders to collaborate. This data allows teams to monitor and control assets, make better decisions in real time, and create more efficient workflows.
 

Due to the numerous related cases, digital twins are driving digital transformation in many industries such as construction, manufacturing, real estate, and retail. They even power smart cities, helping teams solve urgent supply chain difficulties. As machine learning and automation continue to enhance digital models, this powerful technology will help more teams navigate project lifecycles in the future.

Differences between Digital Twin and BIM?
Digital twins and BIM models are both digital representations of physical spaces. The main difference between the two is that BIM provides a 3D model for visualizing asset design and construction, while digital twins allow for virtual interaction.
The main differences are:

．BIM models created in software like Revit are architectural blueprints. Visualizations include physical features and dependencies, but the 3D models linked to the BIM process do not automatically track or change as progress is made.

．Digital twins provide a realistic virtual rendering of physical space and can be rescanned over time to track changes in that space. This helps teams gain in-depth insight into the project's lifecycle as they track milestones.

．Digital twins integrate with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and other digital solutions. When these technologies are used to access real-time data from building systems, the digital twin acts as a visual replica, accurately capturing the physical characteristics of that system.

Simply put, BIM modeling software can design and construct a building, while a digital twin can maintain and operate that building. For example, you might use BIM modeling software to plan where you will place a building's HVAC system. Once built, a digital twin can be used to monitor the HVAC system's functionality throughout the building's lifecycle.

 
Using Digital Twins and BIM Throughout the Project Lifecycle
When architecture, engineering, and construction teams work on major projects, a deep understanding of the built environment is essential. Here's how teams can use digital twins and BIM software to make better decisions and collaborate throughout the project lifecycle:
Building and Designing with BIM
．Planning: In the planning phase of a project, conceptual design software provides a virtual space for teams to brainstorm, sketch initial drafts, and share concepts.
．Design: If a building's structure or dimensions need to be changed, BIM 3D models can edit the architectural design and solve important engineering problems with ease.
．Execution: Once it's time to break ground on a new building, BIM 3D models can give the team a general understanding of the construction direction. This 3D model is a very useful resource when preliminary efforts are made to transform the virtual model into a real building.

Management and Operations with Digital Twins
．Modeling: During the construction process, digital twins can continuously update the model. As more foundational construction is completed, digital twins update information through repeated scans of the space, digital notes, tags, etc., giving the team a deep understanding of the project.
．Simulation: Whether you are using a professional camera or a smartphone, digital twins provide a realistic rendering of physical space. This digital twin can be shared with relevant stakeholders to simulate situations when moving through that space.
．Management: With a clear understanding of the building, digital twins can easily keep up with maintenance management. Thanks to immersive BIM 3D models, a space can be visited virtually and remotely, reducing costly, time-consuming on-site visits.

Benefits of Combining Digital Twins and BIM
Even when used individually, digital technology and 3D design software are powerful tools for designing and managing physical spaces. However, when combined, they can provide powerful end-to-end control throughout the project lifecycle.
．Reduce time spent collecting measurement data and allocating resources.
．Quickly integrate digital scans into existing company software.
．Operate from a central source of information, improving productivity, consistency, and collaboration.
．Reduce the cost and downtime of frequent on-site inspection trips.
．Visualize your building not just in the planning phase, but throughout its entire lifecycle.
 
Integrating BIM and Digital Twins with Matterport:
Smart buildings require technology that includes real-time dynamic insights. Digital twins can be the bridge that brings real-time data to your BIM – helping you work faster and smarter. Here are a few examples of how Matterport integrates digital twins with common 3D design software:

Integration with Autodesk BIM 360: San Francisco construction company Swinerton integrated their BIM 360 software with Matterport's digital twins, giving clients the opportunity to virtually browse buildings under construction. During the walk-through, clients can flag areas that need a second look or make annotations as needed. These virtual tours improved collaboration and minimized travel costs.
 

 

Leveraging the power of Matterport BIM files: Canadian engineering firm HH Angus used Matterport BIM files on a complex mechanical engineering project to provide their team with a shared collaborative space. They used digital twins for measurements, annotations, and sharing progress with clients.
 

 

Importing Matterport 3D models directly into Autodesk Recap and Revit: London-based architectural firm Arup combined Matterport BIM files with their existing Revit software to accelerate the project planning phase. Easy integration allowed the team to skip lengthy data collection processes and create a 3D model with the click of a button.