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Digital Twins & 3D Tools for Urban Planning

This flexible online course introduces the core principals of 3D digital modelling and visualisation for urban environments, with a focus on spatial digital twins. Blending theoretical foundations with hands-on practice, it equips you to understand and apply 3D models in urban planning, decision-making and sustainable development.

Next Dates: On-going
Duration: 25 hours
Delivery mode: Online
Price (AUD inc. GST): $595

Spots remaining: AVAILABLE
Digital Credential Badge

Course summary

Create, manage and visualise the future of cities

Spatial digital twins have become essential in academia, government and institutions for planning, decision-making and management. This course introduces 3D digital models for the built environment, covering how to create, manage and visualise them. You’ll explore foundational theories and technical skills, including GIS, 3D modelling and database management and gain practical experience with tools like SketchUp, PostGIS and QGIS.

Price

Total fees

$595

AUD inc. GST

Who will benefit

Students, researchers and professionals in urban planning, architecture, GIS and the built environment who want to develop practical skills in 3D modelling and spatial digital twins.
Government and industry practitioners involved in smart city planning, infrastructure and data-driven decision-making.

Course is suitable for

Students and researchers studying urban planning, architecture, geography, GIS or related fields, as well as those exploring spatial digital twins, 3D modelling or urban analytics.

Professionals and decision-makers involved in urban planning, infrastructure, smart city initiatives or those looking to integrate 3D GIS tools (PostGIS, QGIS, SketchUp) into their workflows to support evidence-based planning.

Delivered by experts

Sisi Zlatanova

Professor - ADA

A global leader in 3D GIS and spatial information science, with academic roles across Europe, Asia and Australia.
Extensive research and supervision experience in 3D spatial modelling, indoor navigation and urban development.
Active contributor to international standards and conferences, with over 300 publications and leadership roles in ISPRS, UDMS, and OGC.

Dr Jack Barton

Project Officer - ADA

A leader in cutting-edge geospatial research at UNSW with a focus on 3D urban modelling and digital twins.
Over 20 years of consultancy experience blending research, practice and education in urban data.
Proven track record in building large user communities and delivering impactful, real-world applications.

About the course

3D models are reshaping how we understand and design cities

As cities grow more complex, the need for accurate, data-driven planning tools has never been greater. Digital twins and 3D modelling are transforming how we analyse, plan and manage urban environments. They support better decisions, more efficient infrastructure and more sustainable development.

This specialised course introduces the foundations of 3D digital modelling and spatial digital twins, combining theory with hands-on practice. You’ll use tools like SketchUp, PostGIS and QGIS to create, manage and visualise 3D urban data. Through practical exercises and guided learning, you’ll gain the skills to support smarter planning, analysis and communication in the built environment.

Why enrol in this course

Digital twin foundations

Learn how spatial digital twins replicate real-world urban systems to support smarter planning and management.

Part of the city analytics series

Build your expertise through a series of research-informed courses designed to support sustainable, long-term urban solutions.

Global expertise

Benefit from convenors with international experience in research, consultancy and geospatial innovation.

Flexible online format

Our online format allows you to learn at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time.

Key features

Theory Meets Practice

Learn the theoretical concepts behind 3D spatial data and apply them through guided exercises and real-world scenarios.

Hands-on Tools

Gain practical experience with SketchUp, PostGIS and QGIS to build and visualise 3D models.

Future-focused Learning

Develop skills aligned with the growing demand for smart city technologies and data-driven urban development.

Learning outcomes

Build future-focused skills for smarter, sustainable cities

Step into the future of urban innovation with a cutting-edge course that puts you at the forefront of 3D digital modelling and spatial digital twins. As cities evolve, the demand for professionals who can understand, build and apply 3D models to solve real-world urban challenges is skyrocketing. This course is your gateway to that future.

You'll gain in-demand technical expertise in GIS, 3D modelling and database management systems, alongside a strong theoretical foundation in urban data visualisation. More than just creating 3D models, you’ll learn how to use them strategically to transform raw spatial data into powerful tools that drive informed planning, impactful policy and visionary design.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and practical skills to work confidently with 3D digital tools in real-world urban contexts. Whether you're advancing in urban planning, architecture or smart city innovation, this course provides future-focused skills that will shape more efficient, sustainable and responsive cities.

What you'll learn

Upon completing this course, you will have both a theoretical and practical grounding to confidently understand, model and visualise urban data. You will develop skills in relevant 3D computer technologies such as GIS and database management systems, alongside a critical appreciation of how these technologies are applied in practice within a changing global context. You will be able to critically assess the process and role of 3D modelling in the development of urban digital twins and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of 3D modelling and visualisation applications and their capabilities.

Topics covered

3D visualisation pipeline
Fundamental concepts of 3D models
Objects and digital representations
Level of detail (LOD)
Components of a realistic scene
Introduction to database management systems
Relational and spatial DBMS
Open-source spatial database systems

Course delivery

Format	Commitment	Delivery	Method
100% online; learn at your own pace and around your own schedule	25 hours	Online platform, featuring both theory and practical modules	Self-paced learning

Credentials

Advance your career with recognised credentials

This course is designed to support your professional growth and upskilling, equipping you with practical knowledge and in-demand skills. Upon successful completion, you will receive a UNSW certificate of completion and a digital badge. These credentials can be shared with your professional network to highlight your achievement and commitment to continuous learning.

Lead the future of urban development with our City Analytics Series

Designed by industry-leading researchers and practitioners from the School of Built Environment and City Futures Research Centre, the City Analytics Series demonstrate how research-informed teaching, open data platforms and best-practice modelling can support sustainable development and long-term, smart urban solutions.

Complete one course or the entire series to further your studies or advance your career. Ideal for students, researchers, built environment practitioners and professionals from industry, government and civil society, these courses offer a flexible, online format to fit your schedule and help you gain the knowledge and skills for impactful, future-focused urban development.