The Digital Landscape of Smart Cities and Digital Twins: A Systematic Literature Review of Digital Terrain and 3D City Models in Enhancing Decision-Making

• Published in: SAGE OPEN
• Main Authors: Rahman, Syed Ahmad Fadhli Syed Abdul; Maulud, Khairul Nizam Abdul; Ujang, Uznir; Jaafar, Wan Shafrina Wan Mohd; Shaharuddin, Sarah; Ab Rahman, Abdul Aziz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC 2024
• Subjects: Social Sciences - Other Topics
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001142041600001

The digitalization of urban mechanisms relies on the integration of digital terrain and 3D city models. However, a systematic examination of this topic within the context of integrated smart cities or digital twins has been lacking, hindering reproducibility and interpretation of results. To address this gap, this study conducts a systematic literature review to explore the role of digital terrain and 3D city models in supporting urban decision-making for integrated smart cities or digital twins. By following a review protocol, research questions were formulated, and systematic search strategies were implemented involving reputable databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Emerald, Taylor Francis, Springer Link, and Sage Journals. The review process included identification, screening, eligibility assessment, quality appraisal, data extraction, and thematic analysis. The thematic analysis identified eight main themes and 22 sub-themes, shedding light on various aspects of digital terrain and 3D city models in urban decision-making, including (1) data integration and interoperability, (2) integrated visualization; (3) environmental simulation; (4) digital twins application; (5) smart cities application; (6) semantic enrichment; (7) applied planning; and (8) urban planning. This systematic review identifies gaps in the field and provides directions for future studies. The Role of Digital Twins and Smart Cities in Urban Decision-Making: A Systematic Literature ReviewThis study addresses the digitalization of urban mechanisms and its reliance on the integration of digital terrain and 3D city models, particularly within the context of integrated smart cities or digital twins. Despite its significance, a systematic examination of this topic has been lacking, leading to challenges in reproducibility and interpretation of research findings. To bridge this gap, the study conducts a systematic literature review to explore the role of digital terrain and 3D city models in supporting urban decision-making. Following a rigorous review protocol, the study formulates research questions and implements systematic search strategies involving reputable databases. Key databases like Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Emerald, Taylor Francis, Springer Link, and Sage Journals are used for comprehensive coverage. The review process includes stages such as identification, screening, eligibility assessment, quality appraisal, data extraction, and thematic analysis. The thematic analysis reveals eight main themes and 22 sub-themes, shedding light on various aspects of digital terrain and 3D city models in urban decision-making. These themes encompass data integration and interoperability, integrated visualization, environmental simulation, digital twins application, smart cities application, semantic enrichment, applied planning, and urban planning. The systematic review not only contributes to a better understanding of the role of digital terrain and 3D city models in urban decision-making but also identifies gaps in the field. By providing directions for future research, this study aims to enhance the development and application of integrated smart cities and digital twins, ultimately contributing to more effective and sustainable urban planning and management.