Digital twin-based framework for heat stress calculation

According to the KNMI Klimaatsignaal’21, the average surface temperature in The Netherlands has increased by 2.3°C between 1901 and 2020. Moreover, The Netherlands is also experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves. Urban development significantly impacts the environmental conditions of a city, influencing thermal comfort and human well-being. To deal with these problems, municipalities across the country have been tasked to find ways to measure, understand, and find solutions to the increasing temperatures, specifically in urban areas. Because of this, several contrasting urban heat maps have been produced using different metrics and methods by different agencies. Koopman et al. presented a methodology for a standardized urban heat map at a 1-m spatial resolution to unify the stress tests by selecting the Physical Equivalent Temperature (PET) as a metric for heat stress. The PET is a key indicator in bio-meteorology, quantifying the combined effects of various environmental factors on human thermal perception. Despite its utility, widespread adoption of PET-based assessments by municipalities remains limited. To address this gap, this paper presents the development of a Digital Twin framework using PET analysis, enabling a collaborative, nondestructive, and cost-effective assessment of urban interventions’ impact on thermal conditions. Leveraging geoprocessing workflows and geospatial data, our framework allows for real-time PET calculations and scenario testing, facilitating informed decision-making by urban planners. The framework was tested and applied for Enschede, Netherlands, demonstrating its efficacy in visualizing current conditions, projecting future scenarios, and evaluating intervention strategies. Feedback from urban planners highlighted the tool’s usability and potential for enhancing community engagement in urban planning processes.