The Challenge: Unreal Engine Limitations for Real-Time Collaboration

The City's existing application built with Unreal Engine, faced several critical limitations:

• No real-time collaboration between field and command teams.

• Local-only deployment, preventing use on tablets within firetrucks.

• Lack of seamless IoT integration for live firefighter tracking.

Given these operational gaps, the City of Monaco selected 3dverse, a cloud-native, interoperable 3D operating system, to deliver a secure, device-agnostic solution tailored to emergency response needs.

Key Features of the Digital Twin Web App

• IFC File Format Support: 3dverse was provided with the models and metadata. The main format was IFC as we follow open standards.

• Real-Time Firefighter Tracking: Using the integrated indoor geolocation technology through IoTs (Internet of Things), the application could track and display the real-time position of firefighters within the Museum.

• To enable indoor geolocation, firefighters wore bracelets connected to all the sensors in the building (IoTs). 3dverse then extracted the data into the app.

• Metadata Accessibility: The app provided easy access to essential building metadata, such as locations of fire safety equipment, hazardous materials, and structural details, crucial for strategic planning during interventions. A third-party vendor extracted all visible 3D elements within a building from the metadata of the IFC files and 3dverse used this data and plugged it into the app.

• Collaborative Functionality: The app's ability to support real-time collaboration was a critical feature. Real-time collaboration allowed on-site teams and command center personnel to view and interact with the same 3D model simultaneously, ensuring coordinated efforts.

Outcome and Potential Impact:

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The application significantly boosted the firefighters' ability to navigate complex buildings quickly and safely. It also allowed communication from different locations (inside the building, command center and firetrucks)

• Improved Safety and Response Time: With better situational awareness, firefighters could respond more effectively, potentially reducing the time needed to control and extinguish fires. Additionally, incorporating IoT solutions played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of firefighters, providing them with real-time data and analytics to navigate hazardous environments more safely and efficiently.

• Scalability and Expansion: Initially focused on the Oceanographic Museum, the application's design allows for potential expansion to other key buildings in Monaco.

• Future Development Possibilities: The project opened avenues for further enhancements, such as integrating augmented reality features and expanding the range of buildings included in the application.