[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 essential production processes for construction and design teams. 3D models are digital representations of physical spaces. While seemingly 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 integrating brand BIM processes with digital twins, reshaping the world of smart buildings.

What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a holistic process of creating and managing information for building assets from schematic design to operations. 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 across 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 more structured and streamlined from the design phase to the construction phase and into operations.

While 3D modeling software has been available since the mid-2000s, the technology is constantly evolving. The latest versions of the software utilize 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 effective workflows.
 

Due to the numerous related use 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 pressing 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.

What is the difference between a 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 is a 3D model used to visualize the design and construction of an asset, while a digital twin allows for virtual interaction.
Here are the main differences:

．BIM models created in software like Revit are architectural drawings. Visual files contain physical features and dependencies, and 3D models linked to the BIM process are not automatically tracked or updated as progress moves forward.

．Digital twins provide a realistic virtual rendering of physical spaces and can be rescanned over time to track changes in that space. This helps teams gain in-depth insights 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 build 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 are working on major projects, they need a thorough understanding of the built environment. Here's how teams can use digital twins and BIM software to make better decisions and collaborate throughout the project lifecycle:
Architecture and Design with BIM
．Planning: In the planning phase of a project, conceptual design software provides teams with a virtual space to brainstorm, sketch initial drafts, and share concepts with the team.
．Design: If a building's structure or dimensions need to be changed, BIM 3D models can edit architectural designs and solve important engineering problems easily.
．Execution: Once it's time to break ground on a new building, BIM 3D models can give teams a general understanding of the construction direction. This 3D model is a very convenient resource when pre-construction efforts are made to transform virtual models into real buildings.

Management and Operations with Digital Twins
．Model: During building construction, digital twins can continuously update the model. As more foundational construction is completed, digital twins update information through repeated scanning of the space, digital notes, tags, etc., giving the team a deep understanding of the project.
．Simulation: Whether you're using a professional-grade camera or a smartphone, digital twins provide realistic renderings of physical spaces. This digital twin can be shared with relevant stakeholders to simulate scenarios of 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 virtually and remotely visited, reducing expensive, time-consuming on-site visits.

Benefits of Combining Digital Twins and BIM
Even when used alone, digital technology and 3D design software are powerful tools for designing and managing physical spaces. However, combining the two provides powerful end-to-end control throughout the project lifecycle.
．Reduce time spent collecting measurement data and allocating resources.
．Quickly integrate digital scans into your company's existing software.
．Operating from a central source of information can improve productivity, consistency, and collaboration.
．Reduce the cost of frequent site visits and downtime.
．Visualize your building not only during 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 link 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 commonly used 3D design software:

Integration with Autodesk BIM 360: San Francisco construction company Swinerton integrated their BIM 360 software with Matterport's digital twin, giving clients the opportunity to virtually browse buildings under construction. During the tour, clients can mark areas that need further review or make annotations as needed. These virtual tours improve collaboration and minimize travel costs.
 

 

Leveraging the power of Matterport BIM files: Canadian engineering firm HH Angus used Matterport's BIM files in a complex mechanical engineering project to provide their team with a shared collaboration space. They used the digital twin for measurements, annotations, and to share progress with clients.
 

 

Directly importing Matterport 3D models 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. This easy integration allowed the team to skip lengthy data collection processes and create a 3D model with just a click of a button.