Airbus and Dassault Systèmes made it happen, each bringing unique expertise – Airbus in Earth Observation, Dassault Systèmes in Virtual Simulation – to make something visionary a reality.
Since 2020 the two companies have been working closely to develop the Virtual Twin of the Earth: a dynamic digital representation of our world that offers a virtual interactive and immersive experience. Within this virtual world, human activity can be simulated anywhere on Earth, helping to tackle future challenges and strengthen global resilience.
3D Model – Lyon, France
Airbus has taken the lead in created realistic digital cities by combining satellite imagery – using stereo and tristereo acquisitions for photogrammetry – with 3D modeling processing. These lifelike environments form the digital foundation of the Earth.
Then, Dassault Sytèmes SIMULAI technology brings these models to life, opening the door to multiple possibilities. Their simulation tools accurately recreate physical properties. Whether it’s a storm, a chemical leak, an explosion or heavy rainfall, the Virtual Twin makes it possible to explore “what if?” scenarios – visualising potential impacts and consequences before they happen.
The first steps are already in motion – Airbus and Dassault Systèmes have already started mapping several cities such as Paris, Lyon (France) and Sydney (Australia) illustrated below - and simulations are now available.
Airbus 3D sets the stage for Digital Twins
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Why use the Virtual Twin of the Earth built from a Geospatial 3D model?
Because today’s world faces complex, interconnected challenges. By 2030, 60% of the global population will live in town and cities. This growth, combined with human-induced climate change, is putting pressure on cities and ecosystems and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe.
A city is a complex (eco)system, shaped by nature forces and human activities. Cities should be studied and monitored to forecast and minimize risks and hazards, which could lead to casualties, great damage and economic loss.
A Virtual Twin based on a solid Earth Observation 3D model makes it possible to model future cities—their infrastructure, buildings, and systems—and simulate multiple scenarios. By adjusting various parameters, we can assess the potential impact of change, extreme weather, and other phenomena, and better understand how sustainable, robust, and resilient a city could be.
When we know our cities inside out, we can act upon them—making informed, forward-looking decisions that shape tomorrow’s world. Whether in urban planning, disaster management, or resilience strategies, the Virtual Twin is a powerful tool.
