Welcome back to Industry Shifters.

Today we are exploring the sensational sphere of surveying.

Will digital twins technology turn this industry on its head?

Let’s find out!

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Digital Twins

Digital twins are emerging as a powerful technology in surveying across Australia, combining advanced 3D modelling with real-time data integration. 

A digital twin is a virtual replica of physical assets or systems that can be used to simulate, monitor, and optimise performance in real-time.

These digital twins allow surveyors and other professionals to visualise and analyse complex spatial relationships, assess project feasibility, monitor construction progress, and make data-driven decisions for urban planning and infrastructure development.

Potential Impact

The market size of the Surveying and Mapping Services industry in Australia is $4.2 billion in 2024.

Provided digital twin technology continues to be adopted by the surveying industry:

In a low growth scenario, where digital twins are only used by 10% of this industry in five years time, the market for surveyors using digital twin technology would be worth about $420 million AUD by 2030.

In a high growth scenario, where digital twins come to be used by 40% of this industry over the next five years, the market for surveyors using digital twin technology could be worth as much as $1.68 billion AUD by 2030.

Why this WILL be disruptive:

• Enhanced Efficiency and Accuracy: Digital twins streamline workflows, automate routine tasks, and provide real-time data integration, which reduces the need for traditional surveying methods. By offering precise 3D models and leveraging sensor data, surveyors can identify issues early, saving time and costs, particularly in large or remote projects​.

• Improved Decision-Making and Project Coordination: With real-time data and predictive analytics, digital twins enable more informed decisions, reduce risks, and improve project outcomes. They also facilitate seamless collaboration between stakeholders, including surveyors, engineers, architects, and clients, enhancing project coordination and communication​.

• Industry Leadership and Smart Infrastructure: As Australia embraces smart city initiatives, digital twins are becoming essential for managing complex infrastructure projects like the Western Harbour Tunnel and the 2032 Olympics. Early adoption by surveyors, especially those specialising in data management, can position them as industry leaders, offering a competitive advantage​.

Why this WON’T be disruptive:

• High Initial Investment and Implementation Costs: Adopting digital twin technology requires significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and training. This is especially challenging for smaller surveying firms, which may struggle to keep up with the costs and complexity of implementation, potentially leading to a competitive disadvantage​.

• Skills Shortage and Technical Complexity: The current workforce in the surveying industry faces a skills shortage, which is compounded by the specialised knowledge required for digital twin technology. Expertise in data science, 3D modelling, and software management is essential, but many surveyors may lack these advanced skills, exacerbating the existing talent gap​.

• Slow Industry Adoption and Resistance to Change: Despite the benefits, the surveying and construction industries have been slow to adopt digital twin technology. Resistance to change and a lack of digital literacy among decision-makers may limit its widespread disruption in the near term​.