EDiT-Cities: Extending urban digital twins with Copernicus data and model simulations for developing resilient cities

In our presentation we will introduce the research project EDiT-Cities, which has started in 2025. Within EDiT-Cities high-quality climate and air quality information will be linked to an urban digital twin (UDT). Results will be used to support cities and municipalities in developing digital twins for climate-resilient urban development. Speyer, a town with about 50.000 inhabitants and a medieval city center, lying in the one of the warmest regions of Germany, serves as model city.

Numerical simulations with the urban climate model PALM-4U will be performed using Copernicus data and local environmental data as input data. The results will be included in the UDT and can be used for assessing climate adaption and clean air measures in the UDT. Heat load scenarios as well as dispersion calculations for different weather conditions will be conducted. The results also make it possible to assess climate adaptation measures not only in terms of their effects on heat load, but also regarding their impact on air quality. The project aims to strengthen the potential of digital twins in urban planning, traffic-related air pollution control, air quality and health. It will build on existing, freely accessible data and products and develop them further in line with public needs in Germany. Achieved results will be made freely available for further use.