How Monaco moved beyond Unreal Engine for emergency response?
A secure, browser-based 3D application integrates live IoT tracking, building metadata, and multi-user collaboration—accessible in firetrucks, command centers, and on-site.
Sector
Smart Cities
Country
Monaco
Use case
Emergency response & digital twin ops
4
weeks to first pilot
1
web link for access
5G
accessible with tablet
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.