About

From Earth Observation to Digital Twin for Crisis Mobility: A Data-Driven Approach (EO2DigitalTwin) is a learning and capacity-building program implemented throughout 2026 in collaboration between VATUT Technology and Marmara Municipalities Union.

The program enables participants to develop digital twin prototypes based on urban risk scenarios and strengthens their data-driven decision-making skills.

EO2DigitalTwin is supported by EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. EIT Urban Mobility acts to accelerate positive change on mobility to make urban spaces more liveable.

Cities face multi-layered challenges such as climate change, urban mobility, disaster risk, land use, and infrastructure management.

Satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) data provides up-to-date and reliable spatial information, while the Digital Twin approach enables the analysis of this data and the modeling of different urban scenarios.

EO2DigitalTwin applies this approach within a hands-on learning process, allowing participants to develop digital twin prototypes and make data-driven decisions addressing urban risks through these prototypes.

As an hands-on learning program, EO2DigitalTwin aims to:

• Increase municipalities’ decision-making capacity based on EO data
• Demonstrate the applicability of the Digital Twin approach in the context of local governance
• Develop risk scenario–based digital twin prototypes through pilot implementations
• Strengthen the technical and strategic competencies of municipal representatives, students, and young professionals through the learning program
• Support the long-term reuse and dissemination of project outputs

The program adopts a practice-based learning approach built on real-life scenarios, combining learning with implementation.

This structure aims to strengthen municipalities’ decision-making capacity based on Earth Observation data while demonstrating the practical applicability of the digital twin approach in local governance through tangible prototypes.

EO2DigitalTwin progresses through two main components:

1. Training and Technical Capacity Building

Within a learning program specifically designed for local governments, participants are practically trained on how to use Earth Observation data within a digital twin environment.

2. Pilot Implementations

Digital twin prototypes developed by participants are tested in real municipal settings, and their potential for reuse and scalability is evaluated.