AnywhereXR: On-the-fly 3D Environments as a Basis for Open Source Immersive Digital Twin Applications

Abstract

Visualization has long been fundamental to human communication and decision-making. Today, we stand at the threshold of integrating veridical, high-fidelity visualizations into immersive digital environments, alongside digital twinning techniques. This convergence heralds powerful tools for communication, co-design, and participatory decision-making. Our paper delves into the development of lightweight open-source immersive digital twin visualisations, capitalizing on the evolution of immersive technologies, the wealth of spatial data available, and advancements in digital twinning. Coined AnywhereXR, this approach ultimately seeks to democratize access to spatial information at a global scale. Utilizing the Netherlands as our starting point, we envision expanding this methodology worldwide, leveraging open data and software to address pressing societal challenges across diverse domains.