From 16 to 20 June 2025, researchers Candela Pelliza, Nuno Sousa and Diogo Santos Costa from NOVA Cidade — Urban Analytics Lab participated in a Researchers’ Exchange hosted by the Geospatial Technologies Research Group (GEOTEC) at Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Spain, within the framework of the NexTCity project (WP5).
The program was designed to reinforce technical and methodological skills through immersive training and mentoring. Using the NOVA IMS campus Digital Twin as a practical case study, participants worked with real datasets to gain experience in:
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3D modeling with Blender;
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Indoor mapping and navigation networks with ArcGIS Indoors;
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Drone-based data collection and processing for 3D models and point clouds.
The exchange provided not only intensive technical training but also opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and future joint publications. The skills developed are directly relevant for the creation of urban and campus-scale digital twins, and will contribute to ongoing efforts such as the Zero Emissions Research (ZER) Digital Twin in Lisbon.
“This exchange was not only about learning new techniques, but also about building long-term cooperation and testing ideas that will scale to city-wide Digital Twins,” said Diogo Santos Costa, researcher at NOVA Cidade.
This activity highlights the importance of capacity building and knowledge exchange across the NexTCity consortium, preparing the ground for innovative research and sustainable urban solutions.