Wiesbaden from the air: Digital twins for future planning!

Wiesbaden from the air: Digital twins for future planning!

There is a lot in the air in Wiesbaden at the moment, and not just in a figurative sense. The city's civil engineering and surveying department recently announced an aerial survey of the entire city area to collect high-quality aerial images and laser scanning data about the city. These flights are part of a large-scale project aimed at supporting urban planning, environmental protection and cadastral work. The recordings will be carried out from now until April 2026, with the schedule depending on weather conditions to achieve optimal results.

The aerial photographs are taken from both vertical and oblique perspectives, which make it possible to precisely document changes in the urban area. The idea that this is carried out without external appointments is particularly clever - so the administrative effort remains low. The digital twin, an innovative concept, will be available to citizens and city authorities. About the platform Wiesbaden Virtual City Map The collected data can be viewed and offers a digital image of the city in a modern format.

Night flights and laser scanning

A notable detail of this survey are the nighttime laser scanning flights that take place between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. at an altitude of around 550 meters. Due to the proximity to Frankfurt Airport, these flights are permitted even during the night flight ban. During the day, the aerial photography takes place at an altitude of around 1,600 meters. There may be some aircraft noise, but the civil engineering and surveying office asks the public for their understanding.

With the use of laser scanners, the terrain is recorded in detail using laser signals. The resulting three-dimensional point clouds are the basis for digital elevation and surface models that can be used, among other things, for flood protection, visual analyzes and 3D visualizations. This precise data not only contributes to efficient urban planning, but also to sustainable urban development.

The digital twin and its meaning

Digital twins are not just a trend, but the future of urban planning. Cities like Munich, Hamburg and Leipzig are already showing how these digital images of physical objects can be used to identify problems early and optimize traffic management Tech zeitgeist explained. These digital systems make it possible to develop comprehensive simulation models that benefit urban development.

But despite the undisputed advantages, there are also challenges, particularly with regard to data protection and acceptance among the population. The city of Wiesbaden is all the more pleased that it is taking a step into the future with this project - in two senses: the aerial photographs and laser scan data will help not only to measure the city, but also to make it smarter.