Abstract

The notion of a Digital Twin (DT), acting as a virtual replica interconnected with its physical counterpart through real-time data exchange, finds extensive applications in real world scenarios. As industries experience a surge in interest in DT, companies and other organisations who are interested in DT define their own methods to leverage the technology. This paper aims to consolidate and summarise these varied definitions of DT prevalent in the literature. The exploration spans from the foundational concepts to the anticipated future of DT, emphasising the need for a standardised architecture to guide its effective application across diverse domains.Furthermore, the incorporation of Machine Learning (ML) into the DT framework and the combination of DT and The interconnected network of smart devices, known as the Internet of Things are examined, emphasising the revolutionary possibilities of these technologies. This study provides a thorough overview of the changing DT landscape by demonstrating the architecture, variants, kinds, and integration of several communication protocols and data representation. The use of DT in the development of smart cities is examined in the paper’s last section. The digital twin city, characterised by the integration of dynamic digital technology and static 3D models, emerges as a critical element for achieving comprehensive urban intelligence, planning, and related services.