‘Kashi first in nation to use 3D mapping for planning, devpt’

Varanasi: For the first time in the country, Varanasi will use a large-scale 3D model of the city for planning and executing the projects for development, security, and convenience.
The virtual model of the city Kashi will pave the way for sustainable development. The technology—3D Urban Spatial Digital Twin, will showcase the entire Kashi, including alleys, the Ganga, temples, and key locations of the city. This project, worth around Rs six crore, took nine months to complete.
The 3D Urban Spatial Digital Twin involves cutting-edge Geographical Information System (GIS) solutions, incorporating technologies like Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), 360-degree panoramic imagery, and creation of 3D model. Training in this technology is being imparted to the departments to enable its swift implementation.
Chief general manager of Varanasi Smart City D Vasudevan said that Kashi has become the first city in the country where the 3D GIS (360-degree mapping) of a 160 square kilometre area was conducted. The creation of the ‘3D Urban Spatial Digital Twin' of the Varanasi Municipal Corporation area was done using LiDAR technology. This involved over 23 hours of aerial surveys with low-flying aircraft, 1,838 line kilometres by vehicles on roads, and 1,055 line kilometres by backpack walkers in alleys. Drones were also used in this project. This modern technology will also showcase Kashi's heritage, allowing for new development plans.
On the uses and benefits of the 3D Urban Spatial Digital Twin, Vasudevan said that it will keep the track of every inch of Kashi. The technology has a ground resolution of 4cm. It will provide 3D mapping of flood levels in the Ganga, indicating which areas and buildings will be affected, allowing the administration to prepare in advance. The 3D GIS includes precise measurements of alleys, roads, and buildings, enabling any department involved in development plans to assess the availability, utility, and feasibility of a location through this 3D mapping.
Project manager Santosh Kumar Tripathi said that the 3D mapping will also be used for real-time response. Cameras will be connected to key locations, allowing for crowd management, crime control, and traffic condition assessments. It will be integrated with existing GIS-based facilities of the VMC, Varanasi Development Authority, and other departments to enhance its utility. It will also aid in waste management, sewage, water management, and more. In case of fire, it will assist in rescue operations, planning for the development authority, preventing illegal construction, monitoring, and issuing NOCs. Additionally, it will provide information on plans related to the tehsil level.
The digital twin will also gather heat-map and thermographic real-time data for congestion management. This initiative enables the municipal corporation to accurately assess and manage property revenues, enhancing revenue collection and urban infrastructure planning.
Meanwhile, the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) utilises the 3D model to update the Master Plan and issue building permits with greater accuracy and efficiency, promoting planned urban development.