Digitizing Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area megalopolis
With 3D mapping and digital twins, we are building an engineering Metaverse that supports future design, construction, development and even operation. It is so much more than just creating a 3D model because it is an interactive, informative model which supports many different scenarios. Digital tools streamline and speed up many of the processes that traditionally have been quite manual, leading to faster reviews, decision-making and results.
In Hong Kong, AECOM has been working with the Lands Department in the implementation of the 3D Digital Mapping project, which aims to provide a precise and informative replica of the city in a digital environment, through the development of map products such as the 3D Pedestrian Network (3DPN) and 3D Visualization Map.
Currently in development, the 3D Visualization Map provides a high-quality three-dimensional textured surface map displaying topographical and exterior features of terrains, buildings and infrastructure in the city. Additional data, such as temperature and noise, can be incorporated into the map to serve a larger spectrum of applications and analyses, supporting future urban planning, environment studies and transport and traffic reviews in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the 3DPN features a comprehensive data set that covers over 20 categories of footpaths in Hong Kong such as sidewalks, footbridges, underground subways and ramps, covering a network of over 8,300 km, over 2.4 times in longer than the road network.
It offers a distinctive collection of walking-focused data, such as the number and lengths of walkways, gradient of slopes and hills, and the locations and frequencies of elevators enhancing the city’s connectivity, accessibility and inclusivity.
Looking beyond, there is great potential for digital application such as 3D mapping or digital twins in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), one of the largest development projects in the Asia Region. The GBA infrastructure market for digitalization and smart city development is immense as the region braces itself to be the economic growth engine for China and a strategic hub for logistics, high-tech manufacturing, services and technology.
Hong Kong is poised to play a pivotal role in the GBA, not least in the enhancement of existing infrastructure and development of new infrastructure supported by digital tools to boost connectivity and facilitate the injection of innovative ideas into the region.
AECOM is working on the proposed Northern Metropolis Development in Hong Kong, a development area of 300 km2, which adjoins the bustling city of Shenzhen on the Mainland.
The development of new towns in this mega development project in the New Territories means that software and technology can be applied in urban planning and master planning aspects in the form of smart, green and climate-resilient measures that will further Hong Kong’s integration into the GBA.