Interscale Content Hub – While the digital twins and 3D models involve visual representations of buildings or infrastructure, they are far from interchangeable. That’s why we’ll focus on digital twin vs 3D model. Why?
Knowing the difference between them is fundamental for anyone who wants to make the most of these technologies.
A digital twin is a digital version of something that exists in the real world. It’s a dynamic, real-time digital counterpart of a physical object or system that integrates data and simulates how it behaves in different situations.
By contrast, a 3D model is a fixed representation that’s mainly used for visualisation and design.
Right, let’s have a look at the details below.
Digital Twin vs. 3D Model: Key Differences
Purpose and Functionality
Amirhosein Shabani and colleagues say in “3D simulation models for developing digital twins of heritage structures: challenges and strategies,” the idea is that a 3D model is a kind of static representation of a structure, capturing its geometry and visual aspects.
It’s also like a detailed snapshot, giving you a full view from different angles.
For instance, detailed 3D models created using photogrammetry and laser scanning in heritage preservation provide precise representations of structures for analysis and documentation purposes.
A digital twin goes even further than a 3D model, incorporating real-time data, simulations and predictive analytics.
According to the “Digital Twin Capabilities Periodic Table“ by Pieter van Schalkwyk from Digital Twin Consortium, digital twins are dynamic models that use real-time data from sensors and IoT devices to simulate and predict how physical systems behave.
This means it can be used to simulate how the physical asset performs under different conditions.
Data Integration
As Shabani explained, a 3D model contains geometric and visual data but doesn’t link to the actual building or its operational systems. It’s a standalone thing.
So, suppose you’re creating a 3D model of a heritage structure.
In that case, you’ll need to collect point clouds and images, process them to create a detailed model, and then use this model for further analysis or visualisation.
With digital twins, though, the idea is you can integrate data all the time. They update in real time as they get data from the physical version.
This constant flow of data means the digital twin can mirror the real-world asset’s state, so you can monitor it in real time, predict when it might need maintenance, and make it work better.
It’s like the difference between a map that’s stuck in time and a GPS navigation system that’s always up to date.
User Interaction
Usually, users can only interact with 3D models visually and in basic ways, like rotating or zooming in on them.
These interactions are great for design reviews and presentations, but they don’t give you real-time insights or predictive capabilities.
Digital twins, on the other hand, let you interact with and get fully immersed in the experience.
Users can run simulations, test out different scenarios, like the impact of a structural modification.
Plus, users can get insights that help them make decisions in the real world.
Technology Stack
There are some big differences between the tech that goes into 3D models and digital twins.
3D models are usually put together using CAD software, 3D scanning tools and visualisation platforms.
Digital twins need a more complex and integrated tech stack.
This includes IoT sensors for collecting data, advanced analytics platforms for processing it, machine learning algorithms for getting insights into what’s to come, and cloud computing for storing it and managing it.
Pieter van Schalkwyk says we need a solid infrastructure that can handle real-time data integration, simulation, and user interaction so we can get comprehensive and actionable insights.
For reference, kindly read “Don’t Be a Fossil: Here Digital Twin Statistics Shaking Up Many Industries.”
Overlapping Areas and Synergies
Although they’re quite different, 3D models and digital twins can work well together. Often, a detailed 3D model is the starting point for a digital twin.
The move from a basic 3D model to a digital twin which can respond in real time and predict what’s going to happen involves integrating data and simulation capabilities.
This synergy is particularly evident in the heritage conservation sector.
The study by Shabani et al. shows the value of detailed 3D models created through photogrammetry and laser scanning for the initial documentation and analysis of heritage structures.
These models capture the detailed shapes of historic buildings, which provides a solid foundation for further analysis.
The 3D geometric documentation often involves combining data from different sources, such as aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning.
The point clouds from these methods are then processed to create super accurate 3D models, which can be used for finite element (FE) analyses to assess structural vulnerability.
Digital twins build on these static models by adding layers of real-time data integration.
For example, sensors can be put on heritage structures to keep an eye on things like the environment, how well they’re holding up, and even what visitors are doing there.
This data goes into the digital twin, which lets us monitor things continuously and do predictive maintenance.
What is the Difference Between a Digital Twin and a CAD Model?
A CAD model is a type of 3D model that’s used mainly during the design stage of an object or structure.
These models give you all the precise geometric details you need to create technical drawings and specifications.
CAD models are a total must-have in engineering and manufacturing because they’re so accurate and can show every detail of a design.
The thing is, they’re not really dynamic. They don’t include real-time data integration or the capability to simulate operational conditions.
Digital twins, on the other hand, go beyond the initial design and cover the whole lifecycle of an asset.
They bring together real-time data from sensors and other IoT devices, so you can keep an eye on things, run simulations and plan ahead with predictive maintenance.
Pieter van Schalkwyk also highlights how digital twins use real-time and historical data to represent the past and present, and simulate predicted futures.
This is really important for making sure things run smoothly and for making good decisions in lots of different industries.
To show the difference between CAD models and digital twins, we can look at an example from the manufacturing sector.
A CAD model of a machine part gives you all the detailed geometric info you need to fabricate it.
Once the part is made and put in place, a digital twin takes over by combining sensor data to keep an eye on how it’s doing in real time.
This data can include things like temperature, vibration and wear rates, which are fed into the digital twin to predict when things might fail and to make sure maintenance schedules are as efficient as possible.
It might be helpful to spot the difference with metavers, so kindly read “Digital Twins vs Metaverse: Which One is Your Winning Move for Business.”
The Role of Interscale for Your Digital Twin Implementation
There’s no doubt about it: digital twins can transform your operations. But getting there can be a challenge.
Don’t let these challenges distract you from your main objectives.
That’s why we’ve put together some specialised solutions to help you make the most of this amazing technology.
Our team of experts is here for you every step of the way, guiding you through your digital twin journey.
From the first risk assessment to ongoing management and optimisation, we’ve got your back with a support system that makes sure your projects are secure, reliable and deliver maximum value.
What do you think the results are going to be?
You can get ahead of issues before they get out of hand, make the most of your assets with data-driven insights, and make smart choices that boost efficiency and sustainability.
Take the first step towards making this happen. Get in touch today to arrange a one-on-one with our team.
We’re here for you 24/7 to discuss your specific needs and show you how Interscale can help you turn digital twin challenges into opportunities.
Another way to get a quick overview of what we do and how we can help is to read our Interscale BIM Management Support page.
In Closing
Using digital twins and 3D models helps businesses move from static models to interactive, predictive systems that deliver real-time insights and support better decision-making.
As the industry keeps changing, it’ll become more and more important to integrate digital twins.
The key is to understand the main differences between a digital twin vs 3D model and to make the most of their different strengths.
