Digital Underground: research to application
Geospatial World featured SEC's research to application project, with the aim of supporting the development of a reliable digital twin of existing and future subsurface utilities in Singapore.
Singapore is currently undertaking strategic initiatives to make better use of the available land, including tapping the underground space for future (re)development. Geospatial World puts the spotlight on how the Digital Underground project, a collaboration bewteen the Singapore-ETH Centre and the Singapore Land Authority, is supporting the development of a reliable digital twin of existing and future subsurface utilities in Singapore.
An accurate map of subsurface utility infrastructure is essential for effective planning and administration of underground space, reduction of uncertainty and risk for capital infrastructure projects, and safe construction practices. The project takes on the important first step towards establishing a consolidated 3D database that brings together data on all underground utilities in Singapore and facilitates a gradual and continuous improvement of data quality.
A external page roadmap was developed in the first phase of the Digital Underground project, proposing an integrated, “whole ecosystem” approach. It not only includes spatial information and the value proposition of using geospatial technology, but also considers legislation, collaboration, capacity building, governance, and R&D.
Now in its second phase, the project continues its work on developing digital twins for the underground to advance our understanding of the multitude of dimensions of subsurface infrastructure. The team is working towards establishing the foundations of a reliable digital twin and a sustainable utility mapping ecosystem that can support it.
"In Phase 2, we are staying up to date with technological advancements and are supporting trials using quantum gravimeters. We are also exploring the use of photogrammetry and laser scanning as rapid mapping techniques for open trench installations to deal with the narrow time window in which newly built utilities are visible and accessible for surveying,” adds Rob van Son.
Read the article external page Singapore goes Underground with The Digital Underground Project in Geospatial World.