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In this episode, we talk with Ron Chapple, Vice President of Global Strategic Solutions – Digital Twins at NV5 Geospatial, about how digital twin technology is transforming industries. This cutting-edge technology creates real-time virtual replicas to optimize complex systems and has sparked growing interest due to recent advancements.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Ron:
- Can you explain what a digital twin is and why it’s becoming so important in geospatial engineering and other industries?
- What advanced technologies and sensors does your team use for reality capture and creating digital twins?
- Where do you think we are on the hype curve for digital twins, and why do you think there’s been a recent surge in interest in this technology?
- Can you provide a specific example of how digital twins are being used in industries today and where you see the greatest potential for their application?
- Can you highlight a key problem that digital twins help solve, and explain how they improve decision-making and risk management for your clients?
- Where do you see the future of digital twin technology heading, and what advancements are you most excited about?
- What final piece of advice would you give to geotechnical engineers interested in exploring and working with digital twin technology?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Best Practices for Using Digital Twin Technology in Geotech:
- A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical object, system, or environment that collects real-time data from sensors and other sources to reflect the current state of its real-world counterpart. In geospatial engineering and other industries, digital twins are crucial because they provide a dynamic way to monitor, analyze, and predict the performance of assets, improving decision-making, operational efficiency, and risk management.
- The team uses high-fidelity LiDAR systems combined with high-resolution cameras that capture precise ground-level data, often down to one or two centimeters from altitudes of 500 to 1,000 feet. These technologies are deployed using drones, helicopters, or fixed-wing aircraft to create detailed reality captures, which serve as the foundation for digital twins.
- We have moved beyond the peak of inflated expectations and entered the slope of enlightenment for digital twins. The recent surge in interest stems from the intersection of increased computing power, reduced data storage costs, and the development of software capable of handling large-scale data processing, making digital twins more practical and impactful across industries.
- A key example of digital twins in use today is in facility management, where they map out entire building systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, while integrating real-time data on energy use and performance. Digital twins hold the greatest potential in improving operational efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing decision-making by providing a comprehensive, real-time view of complex infrastructures across industries like construction, urban planning, and utilities.
- A key problem digital twins solve is the ability to monitor and manage complex systems in real-time, such as buildings, infrastructure, or entire cities. By providing a detailed, up-to-date virtual replica, digital twins enhance decision-making and risk management by enabling clients to anticipate issues, optimize performance, and respond quickly to potential risks, ultimately reducing downtime and costs.
- The rise of digital twins opens doors to new career opportunities that don’t yet have defined job titles. Engineers stay open to new ways of applying their skills, as this technology continues to create exciting and unforeseen paths for the future.
- To build a successful career, it’s important to trust your instincts and seek work that challenges and satisfies you. Continuously improving and stepping out of routine tasks will help create a fulfilling and resilient career path in digital twin technologies.
More Details in This Episode…
About Ron Chapple
As the VP of Global Strategic Solutions – Digital Twins at NV5 Geospatial, Ron leads a team who works with clients around the world to acquire, process, and analyze high-resolution LiDAR and imaging data to create digital twins for various industries and applications. The team uses leading edge technologies and sensors for reality capture and visualization of data that can enhance decision-making, risk mitigation, and the user experience.
Ron has more than 10 years of experience in LiDAR and imaging, and founded GEO1, a company that specialized in electric utility, oil and gas, archaeology, and coastal acquisition projects. GEO1 was acquired by NV5 Geospatial in June 2022 and has expanded in scope to virtual reality, virtual production, and digital twin creation.
Ron got his start in aerial cinematography. He worked with USA Today and National Geographic on projects that won a Pulitzer Prize and several Emmy Awards and traveled to remote and challenging locations, such as Patagonia, the Arctic Circle, Mt. Everest, Colombia, and Hawaii, to collect and document data that can help preserve and protect natural and cultural heritage.
Most notable honors include:
- 2018 Pulitzer Prize for a project with USA Today to acquire video and LiDAR of the entire 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border to provide viewers a view of the countries from above.
- 2021 Emmy for Outstanding Nature Documentary for “The Last Ice,” a film produced by the Pristine Seas team at National Geographic.
- 2015 Emmy for Aerial Cinematography for producing a documentary around California for the PBS “On Becoming California” series.
About the Host: Jared M. Green, P.E., BC.GE, F.ASCE
Jared, originally from southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduated from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering in 2001 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He later went on to attain his M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Focus) from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Campaign, in 2002. In 2003, he began working in the New York City office of Langan. He has since become a Principal / Vice President and is one of the owners of this international land development engineering consulting firm. After 15 years at Langan, Jared moved to the Philadelphia office and is one of the geotechnical practice leaders in that office.
Jared is a consultant and team leader who also enjoys mentoring young engineers and first-generation college students. He has been instrumental in increasing the number of pre-college students who are interested in STEAM majors and fields. He strives to make complex engineering topics relatable and understandable to people new to the field and to people who are completely unfamiliar with engineering. Jared and his family currently reside in Flemington, New Jersey. He and his wife have three energetic, inquisitive, and awesome children. You can connect with Jared here.
Sources/References:
NV5
National Geographic
BBC
Autodesk Tandem
Apollo 13
Connect with Ron Chapple, on LinkedIn
Please leave your comments or questions in the section below on how you have utilized digital twin technology in your engineering projects.
To your success,
Jared M. Green, P.E., BC.GE, F.ASCE
Host of The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast
