NorDark-DT: A digital twin for urban lighting infrastructure planning and analysis

Léo Leplat, Claudia López-Alfaro, Arne Styve and Ricardo da Silva Torres
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Léo Leplat: 8018NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Ålesund, Norway
Claudia López-Alfaro: 8018NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Ålesund, Norway
Arne Styve: 8018NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Ålesund, Norway
Ricardo da Silva Torres: 8018NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Ålesund, Norway

Environment and Planning B, 2025, vol. 52, issue 3, 667-688

Abstract: The implementation of sustainable urban lighting infrastructure is of paramount importance to promote healthy habits, mitigate the impact of light pollution on humans and wildlife, and balance out energy consumption. However, the analysis of alternatives for implementing lighting interventions in urban spaces is a laborious and time-consuming task, often involving the use of multiple tools. Also, the design of lighting infrastructure often demands a balance of conflicting needs and variables (e.g., aesthetics, human perception, impact on wildlife, and energy consumption). In this paper, we introduce NorDark-DT, an urban digital twin to support urban lighting infrastructure planning and analysis. We present the main requirements addressed in its design and development, its architecture and components, and illustrate its use in compelling usage scenarios related to the assessment of lighting intervention options in two study areas in Ã…lesund (Norway) and Uppsala (Sweden). We also discuss challenges and lessons learned during the development of NorDark-DT, providing valuable insights to developers, stakeholders, and practitioners interested in the creation of urban digital twins or similar tools.

Keywords: Digital twin; lighting infrastructure; urban planning; smart city; lighting intervention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:envirb:v:52:y:2025:i:3:p:667-688

DOI: 10.1177/23998083241272099

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