# Seeking a Definition of Digital Twins for Construction and Infrastructure Management
## 5 Defining and Standarising the Concept of a Digital Twin for the Built Environment
### The Importance of Standardisation in DTs for Construction  
The standardisation of DT technologies in construction and infrastructure management is pivotal for achieving widespread adoption and maximising their potential benefits. Standardisation ensures compatibility, interoperability, and efficiency across different systems and projects, and is especially important in sectors such as construction, where projects often involve multiple stakeholders with diverse technological platforms.  
Standardisation plays a critical role in enhancing the interoperability among the various digital systems used in construction. For instance, the integration of BIM, GIS, IoT, and cloud computing in the DT-based management system for the Bidebieta-Basauri railway station underscores the need for standardised protocols to ensure seamless data exchange and system functionality. Without standardisation, the potential for DTs to provide real-time actionable insights could be significantly hindered by compatibility issues.  
Collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and operators is essential for construction projects. Standardised DT frameworks can facilitate this collaboration by providing a common language and a common set of expectations. This was evident in the UPM's Civil Engineering School DT implementation, where various administrative and safety protocols were effectively managed through a standardised DT platform during the pandemic.  
Standardisation can also foster innovation by establishing clear guidelines for technology development, data management, and system integration. This encourages technology providers to develop innovative solutions that are compliant with industry standards, thereby ensuring broader applicability and adoption.  
Also, a unified definition can provide a consistent educational framework, ensuring that all learners receive the same concepts and applications regarding DTs, regardless of who is providing the training. This consistency allows training materials to be standardised, facilitating more efficient learning processes and reducing potential confusion or unclear definitions. Moreover, with a standardised definition, educators can develop comprehensive curricula that cover the full spectrum of DT technology, from data integration to real-time simulation and analysis, improving the overall quality of built environment projects.  
As seen with the initiatives undertaken by the BDTA and discussions in international and European standardisation bodies, such as ISO/IEC and CEN, regulatory frameworks are beginning to recognise the importance of DTs. Standardising DT practices helps align them with regulatory requirements, ensuring that construction projects not only benefit from advanced technologies but comply with existing and emerging regulations.  
In SPHERE, the ongoing efforts to standardise DT concepts illustrate the global movement towards a unified approach to DT technology. Standardisation at this level not only impacts local markets but sets the stage for international collaborations and advancements in construction technology.  
The standardisation of DTs within the construction industry is essential to ensure that these technologies deliver their full potential in terms of efficiency, safety, and sustainability. It also prepares the sector for future technological integration, which will inevitably result in the evolution of the digital infrastructure.