City-wide digital twin: Architecture, engineering, construction, and operations as a 4.0 industry

Cities are expanding not merely in size and intensity but also in complexity and interconnectivity among their components, emphasising the importance of rendering cities smart, which can be achieved through a Digital Twin (DT). Lack of comprehension of what a DT could entail is the focus of this paper. This research paper presents an account of technologies that, when amalgamated, can aid in the development of a City-wide Digital Twin (CDT). A systematic review is included in the study to identify knowledge gaps and create an overall picture of a CDT. Further research and recommendations are also provided to aid in the planning of DTs of existing and prospective cities. Knowledge gaps are recognised and defined after a rigorous literature study. Based on this, a conceptual model is delineated in the form of a schematic of the overall picture, depicting how numerous technologies must be combined to build a CDT where sensing, connectivity, and intelligence are key factors. This study can ignite an innovative debate between diverse stakeholders and professionals from within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry and outside