Digital twin, AI and GIS: How administrations use spatial data intelligently

Esri technology supports planning and development projects holistically - open, flexible, integrated and understandable for everyone.

The public sector faces the challenge of making digital processes efficient, secure and user-friendly. Many administrations struggle with fragmented data, lack of interoperability between systems and limited resources for digital innovation.

Scalable, flexible systems enable administrations not only to manage data, but also to connect and visualise it and use modern analysis methods to make more sustainable decisions - for example for resilient infrastructures or smart mobility concepts.

Esri Germany, based in Kranzberg near Munich, is a global leader in the field of geographic information systems (GIS) and supports regions, cities, municipalities and public administrations with its ArcGIS mapping and data analysis software. With this technology, spatial data can be used intelligently to make well-founded decisions - whether in urban planning, disaster control or the provision of smart administrative services.

Optimised planning with 3D models

‘Our ArcGIS software system helps to automate processes, create transparency and better involve citizens in decision-making processes,’ says Florian Simetsreiter, Head of Local Government at Esri. Esri Deutschland GmbH was founded in 1979 and has been helping to solve complex local and global challenges ever since.

‘We see particularly strong potential in the concept of the digital twin for regions, cities and municipalities,’ says Simetsreiter. With digital 3D models of cities and infrastructures, administrations can simulate scenarios, optimise planning and react more quickly to crises. Another key topic is the automation of administrative processes using artificial intelligence. AI helps to automatically analyse satellite and drone images, classify geodata or create forecasting models, for example on the effects of heavy rainfall events. Cloud technologies make it possible to provide GIS applications flexibly and scalably. ‘This is where we come in with standardised, open, secure and flexible GIS technology that enables administrations to implement digital services seamlessly and efficiently,’ says Simetsreiter.

Administrations should retain sovereignty over their data, but open up their systems and data pools to other relevant departments. xx sees the resulting collaboration within the complex administrative apparatus as a major advantage: ‘Digitalisation should simplify processes, offer a better service and support decisions based on data. To achieve this, it is crucial to be open to technology and to consistently scrutinise existing administrative processes. Successful digital transformation is only possible if it is understood as a continuous process and all those involved can experience tangible added value, from the administration to politicians and citizens,’ says Simetsreiter.