Researchers from the College of Architecture and the Center for Geospatial Sciences, Applications and Technology hope to optimize class times and locations, according to a recent story in Texas A&M Today. The project is for the main campus in College Station.
Xinyue Ye, Ph.D. is leading the project. He is a professor of landscape architecture and urban planning and also an affiliated faculty member in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering — among others.
The A&M twin is a 3D model with potential to create smoother campus operations by taking into account factors that have not been considered in the past. For example, two buildings may only be a five minute walk from each other, but if classes are held on the top floor, the time it takes to get up and down the stairs should be considered part of a student’s commute time.
“Our model takes into consideration the complexity of buildings and the distance between classrooms, which was not considered by previous class scheduling software,” Ye said.
A digital twin:
- Is a virtual model of a physical object
- Can model assets, processes and systems
- Provides spatial and visual representation
- Combines data analytics with management capabilities
- Provides real-time situational awareness and efficiency
- Maximizing class sizes
- Making campus transportation more efficient
- Providing first responders with critical information
