Understanding the Differences Between Visual Twins and Digital Twins

14 Dec 2024

Written by Kenny Mackenzie

As technology evolves, visual twins and digital twins are becoming essential tools in industries like manufacturing, construction, and urban planning. While both technologies offer new ways to visualise and manage complex systems, understanding the differences between visual twins and digital twins can help businesses determine the best tool for their unique needs.

At Immersive Vision 360 Ltd, we specialise in creating detailed visual twins, and our partnership with Zenith Surveying enhances these models with comprehensive survey data that can be used to develop fully-fledged digital twins. Let’s explore the differences between these two concepts and how our collaboration enhances their value.

What is a Visual Twin?

Visual twins are immersive visual representations of physical spaces. These models provide a realistic view of an environment, allowing users to virtually explore and interact with it as if they were physically present. Visual twins are particularly useful for:

Virtual Tours: Offering potential buyers, tenants, or stakeholders an immersive experience of a property without the need for physical visits.
Design and Planning: Facilitating the design process by providing a detailed visual reference of the space, aiding in accurate planning and visualisation.
Training and Education: Providing a realistic platform for training employees or students in a controlled, virtual environment.
Marketing and Sales: Enhancing marketing efforts by showcasing properties or products in a visually engaging manner.

At Immersive Vision 360 Ltd, we excel in creating visual twins that capture every detail of a space with stunning accuracy. Our visual twins are perfect for clients who need an immersive, visually accurate representation of their properties.

What Are Digital Twins?

A Digital Twin is a dynamic, virtual replica of a physical object, system, or environment. It integrates real-world data collected through advanced technologies such as drone footage, 3D laser scanning, underground utility surveys, 360° photography, and photogrammetry. At Immersive Vision 360 Ltd, we create these comprehensive digital models to mirror the physical and functional aspects of real-world spaces. Our digital twins facilitate detailed visualisation, precise analysis, and informed decision-making, offering robust tools for planning, construction, and maintenance projects.

Digital twins offer a comprehensive understanding of the physical world, enabling informed decision-making and improved operational efficiency.

Elevating Visual Twins with Zenith Surveying

While visual twins provide an excellent visual representation, our partnership with Zenith Surveying adds a deeper layer of detail and accuracy. Zenith Surveying brings expertise in:

Topographic Surveys: Detailed mapping of the terrain and its features.
Underground Utility Surveys: Identifying and mapping underground utilities for better planning and risk management.
Measured Building Surveys: Accurate measurements of buildings for design and construction purposes.
As-Built Surveys: Documenting the exact specifications of a completed structure.
Laser Scanning: High-precision 3D scanning for detailed and accurate models.
Bathymetric Surveys: Mapping underwater features and topography.
Drone Surveys: Aerial surveys providing a comprehensive view of large or hard-to-reach areas.

This extensive survey data enhances our visual twins, transforming them into dynamic digital twins that offer precise and reliable information. These models are invaluable for visualising spaces in detail, conducting accurate analyses, and making informed decisions about planning, construction, and maintenance.

Web-Based Access to Digital Twin Models

At Immersive Vision 360 Ltd, we present Zenith Surveying’s digital twin models on an easy-to-access web-based platform available via any internet browser. This platform also includes the ability to click down into the model to view the real-world 360° photos, offering an immersive and interactive experience for users.

The Immersive Vision 360 Ltd Advantage

At Immersive Vision 360 Ltd, we are committed to providing our clients with cutting-edge solutions that meet their needs. Our visual twins, enhanced by the comprehensive survey data from Zenith Surveying, deliver unparalleled value. Whether you need a realistic visual model for marketing or detailed survey data for planning and construction, we have the expertise and technology to exceed your needs.

Visual twins and digital twins each serve unique purposes and offer distinct benefits. While visual twins provide immersive, realistic representations of physical spaces, digital twins integrate detailed survey data to offer a comprehensive view of real-world environments. Through our partnership with Zenith Surveying, Immersive Vision 360 Ltd bridges the gap between these two technologies, delivering powerful digital models that drive efficiency and innovation.