{"id":4601,"date":"2024-07-29T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T03:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.interscale.com.au\/?p=4601"},"modified":"2025-10-10T00:04:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T13:04:34","slug":"bim-to-digital-twin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/bim-to-digital-twin\/","title":{"rendered":"BIM to Digital Twin: Upgrading Your Projects From Old Nokia to iPhone 15"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/bim-to-digital-twin\/#The_Rise_of_Digital_Twin_Technology\" >The Rise of Digital Twin Technology<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/bim-to-digital-twin\/#The_Transition_from_BIM_to_Digital_Twin\" >The Transition from BIM to Digital Twin<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/bim-to-digital-twin\/#Integrating_BIM_and_Digital_Twin_Technologies\" >Integrating BIM and Digital Twin Technologies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/bim-to-digital-twin\/#Applications_of_BIM-based_Digital_Twins\" >Applications of BIM-based Digital Twins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/bim-to-digital-twin\/#How_does_a_Digital_Twin_Differ_from_a_BIM_Model\" >How does a Digital Twin Differ from a BIM Model?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/bim-to-digital-twin\/#Managing_the_Complexity_of_BIM_to_Digital_Twins\" >Managing the Complexity of BIM to Digital Twins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/bim-to-digital-twin\/#In_Closing\" >In Closing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/\">Interscale Content Hub<\/a><\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The move from BIM to digital twin tech is the next big step in digital innovation. It lets us interact with physical assets in a more dynamic, real-time way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This powerful combination is set to change the Australian Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s a great idea to look at how digital twins are changing from BIM models, the amazing potential of this integration, and real-world examples of how they&#8217;re being used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ll also look at an important question: What&#8217;s the difference between digital twins and BIM models?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Rise_of_Digital_Twin_Technology\"><\/span>The Rise of Digital Twin Technology<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The idea of a digital twin isn&#8217;t new, but it&#8217;s only recently gained a lot of attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A digital twin is basically a virtual copy of a physical object with all the latest data from sensors and IoT devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This technology doesn&#8217;t just mirror the physical object, it also predicts, simulates and optimises its performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rise of digital twins can be traced back to the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.semanticscholar.org\/paper\/From-BIM-to-digital-twins%3A-a-systematic-review-of-Deng-Menassa\/7be142c6a092ade71d6f9cb560a2abb5afe0b553\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>In a review of the literature on digital twins, Mingyan Deng and colleagues<\/strong><\/a> identify several goals for these technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bringing the real world and a virtual platform into sync.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They make it easier to manage and control construction processes, facility management, environmental monitoring, and other processes throughout the life of a building.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mingyan Deng and colleagues say while digital twin research is still in its early days, the technology could be a real breakthrough for the AEC-FM industry, making it possible to connect and make decisions in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qiuchen Lu and colleagues in <strong><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.semanticscholar.org\/paper\/From-BIM-Towards-Digital-Twin%3A-Strategy-and-Future-Lu-Xie\/ae18b847b737485031379859bcbee868da3b30ef\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8220;From BIM towards Digital Twin: Strategy and Future Development for Smart Asset Management,&#8221;<\/a><\/span><\/em> <\/strong>also talk about how important digital twins are in their article, \u2018From BIM towards Digital Twin: Strategy and Future Development for Smart Asset Management\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Qiuchen Lu and colleagues point out another key benefit of digital twins: they combine AI, machine learning, and data analytics to create dynamic digital models that learn and update from multiple data sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This integration not only makes it easier to manage assets but also gives a complete picture of their lifecycle, which helps us make better decisions and improve performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Transition_from_BIM_to_Digital_Twin\"><\/span>The Transition from BIM to Digital Twin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Building Information Modelling (BIM) was the start of digital twins in the AEC industry. BIM gives you a detailed 3D model of a building, with all the geometric and semantic information you could need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, as Lu et al. (2021) point out, BIM is mainly a static representation. Lu et al. look at the limitations of BIM in the operations and maintenance phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These limitations show there&#8217;s a need for a more dynamic and integrated approach, which digital twins can provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They suggest a way forward for smart asset management, using digital twins to plug the gaps in current BIM implementations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This shift involves a few key steps, including combining data from BIM models, making systems work together, and managing the entire lifecycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, as Min Deng and colleagues point out, digital twins build on the good work done with BIM and IoT technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The combination provides real-time insights and predictive capabilities that improve how we manage and operate built environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moving from BIM to digital twins is a big change. It goes from static, isolated models to interconnected, dynamic systems that offer a more holistic and real-time view of asset performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Integrating_BIM_and_Digital_Twin_Technologies\"><\/span>Integrating BIM and Digital Twin Technologies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best thing about BIM and digital twins is how they work together. BIM data is the building block, the skeleton of the digital twin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The idea behind combining BIM and digital twin technologies is to bring together data from the design, construction and operational phases into one coherent system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A recent review by Deng and colleagues looks at the current state of the art in digital twin technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It highlights the need for better data exchange and interoperability across the different stages of a building\u2019s lifecycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They suggest a five-level ladder system to show how advanced digital twin applications can be, and how important it is to keep sharing information throughout a building\u2019s life cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lu and colleagues suggest a kind of tree-like structure for managing smart DT-enabled assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They say it\u2019s important to make sure the system is smart, efficient, integrated and works well with other systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also point out how IoT, AI and machine learning can be used to create a dynamic digital platform that keeps on updating the current condition of physical assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This integration not only makes asset management better, but it also helps stakeholders work together better by giving them one place to go to get the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For reference on risk assessment, kindly check<strong> &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/why-is-it-important-to-perform-a-risk-assessment\/\"><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Risk Assessment First, Risk Management Later: Foundation of Resilience<\/span><\/em><\/a>.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Applications_of_BIM-based_Digital_Twins\"><\/span>Applications of BIM-based Digital Twins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As previously discussed, digital twins are great for asset planning, construction and management because they provide real-time data and predictive analytics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s why, with all these great benefits, there are so many ways to use BIM-based digital twins in different sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Putting real-time data together with BIM models means you can keep an eye on things and make improvements all the time, which leads to better performance and savings on costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deng and others have grouped digital twins into categories based on things like construction processes, building energy performance, and indoor environment monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deng and colleagues show how digital twins could change these areas by providing real-time insights and decision-making capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In construction, digital twins are used to keep track of progress, simulate construction sequences, and flag up potential problems before they become costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In facility management, the digital twin helps to make buildings perform better, use less energy and keep people more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In infrastructure management, digital twins keep an eye on bridges, tunnels and roads, spotting when they need a bit of TLC and helping them last longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Barangaroo precinct in Sydney is a prime example of how digital twins, the NSW Spatial Digital Twin, are being used to model and coordinate complex infrastructure projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another example is how digital twins are being used to improve the facilities management of the Sydney Opera House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This helps ensure efficient maintenance and that the building can continue to run smoothly for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_a_Digital_Twin_Differ_from_a_BIM_Model\"><\/span>How does a Digital Twin Differ from a BIM Model?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BIM and digital twins are two similar concepts, but they&#8217;re not the same thing. As Lu et al. (2021) points out, the main difference is in what they cover and how they change over time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BIM models give you a detailed, static view of an asset, which is great for the construction phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the flip side, the digital twins offer a dynamic, real-time view of the asset throughout its lifecycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lu et al. say these digital twins use AI, machine learning and IoT to create models that learn and update from lots of different data sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This gives a better view of an asset&#8217;s performance than a static BIM model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deng et al. also point out how digital twins let you connect and make decisions in real time, which adds to the value of BIM by using real-time data and predictive analytics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As another reference, you might want to read<strong> &#8220;<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/why-digital-twin-is-important\/\">Why Digital Twin is Important: Guide to a Multiverse and Saving Millions.<\/a><\/em><\/span>&#8220;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Managing_the_Complexity_of_BIM_to_Digital_Twins\"><\/span>Managing the Complexity of BIM to Digital Twins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we&#8217;ve seen, if you want to make the move from BIM to digital twins, you\u2019ll need to have a good grasp of both technologies, as well as know your way around data integration, analytics and visualisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Interscale, we can provide custom BIM solutions to suit the particular requirements of both BIM and digital twins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve been in the BIM management game for many years, so we\u2019ll ensure your project uses the latest technology and strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our strategic BIM implementation is designed to get the best results for your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether your project requires detailed architectural design or the large-scale integration required for infrastructure, we can ensure you get the results you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clients like K2LD Architects have seen the benefits of Interscale&#8217;s customised BIM management, which has made their architectural processes easier and helped them deliver projects more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, you can find out more about what we do by doing a bit of background research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the initial phase, take a look at our <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/services\/bim-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Interscale BIM management service page<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also get in touch with us by booking an appointment on our website. We\u2019re here for you 24\/7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/contact-us\/\" style=\"background-color:#fd8832\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Transform Your Projects with Elite BIM Expertise<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_Closing\"><\/span>In Closing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The move from Building Information Modelling (BIM) to digital twin technology is a big step forward for many industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This new tech is a game-changer for Australian AEC pros. It can really help projects, cut costs, and promote sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s why Interscale supporting systems become your solutions to the transition from BIM to digital twin technology and maintain a competitive edge.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Interscale Content Hub\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The move from BIM to digital twin tech is the next big step in digital innovation. It lets us interact with physical assets in a more dynamic, real-time way. This powerful combination is set to change the Australian Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) landscape. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s a great idea to look at [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5250,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[883],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aec-industry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4601","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4601"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4601\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/interscale.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}