Active digital twins are real-time, actionable representations of physical entities, enabling better data processing and decision-making. They enhance context assessment, reduce cognitive load, and optimize various critical infrastructures like ports and airports by offering intuitive data visualization. Future developments include AI-driven traffic optimization, security management, and comprehensive situational awareness through merged systems.

1. Active Digital Twins for
Critical Infrastructure: What & Why?

2. Digital Twin Definitions
All digital twins represent physical spaces / entities & data. They
differ in the kinds of data and levels of interaction.
Digital Twin (Observation / Simulation): Static / Semi-Static
representation of a physical entity. Can include simulated data.
Dynamic Digital Twin (Real-Time Observation / Orientation):
Continuously updates based on real-time data from physical
counterpart.
Active Digital Twin (Decision/ Action): Updates in real-time &
provides access to control mechanics (messaging, access
control, & start/stop, etc.) for decision making. These can include
some automation and prediction using AI / ML.

3. Real-time virtual representations of real world
spaces & data (people, vehicles, objects,
weather, etc.) that provide actionable insights
& control.
Active Digital Twins

4. Real world representations are easier to process than dashboards.
We evolved to process data that looks like the real world.
Why Active Digital Twins? Faster Context.

5. Why Active Digital Twins? Lower Cognitive Load.
Traditional Tools: as data increases, cognitive load increases & assessment slows.
Digital Twins: as data increases, cognitive load decreases & assessment speeds up.

6. Active Digital Twins are the most efficient way to provide instinctually actionable data that
can be quickly used to optimize real world spaces.
The “OODA” Loop

7. Active Digital Twins provide data that is
instinctively easier to observe and orient
around because it mimics the real world.
Observe & Orient
Operators use the Active Digital Twin to
take actions to optimize the real world
counterpart to the Digital Twin.
Decide & Act

8. The Real World counterpart to the Active Digital Twin operates at higher efficiencies
due to the actions taken.
Real World Optimization

9. Ports, Military Bases, Airports, Utilities, Arenas, Highways,
Autonomous Regions, Flight Paths, Vertiports, & more.
Active Digital Twins are incredibly powerful at multiple scales and solutions ranging
from nursing homes, factories, hotels, & cities.
Multiple Scales & Solutions

10. OPTICS
(Overall Port Tactical Information
Computer System)
Active Digital Twin providing
operators real-time visibility of
Security & Operations.
This project was funded through
a Port Security Grant from
FEMA.
NOTE: Displayed Computer Aided Dispatch data &
security locations (gates & cameras) is synthetic to
comply with CJIS requirements.
Critical Infrastructure Active Digital Twin Example

11. ● 1926 Operations Start
● Largest Port in US in Total Revenue Tonnage
● 5th Largest in Total Tonnage
● Nation’s Largest Energy Export Gateway
● Direct Docks, Refineries, Rail, & Highway Access
● 54’ Deep Channel (in process)
Port Stats

12. Why Active Digital Twin?
● Faster Context Assessment
● Optimizing Cargo Flow
● Optimizing Security Event
Handling
● Single Pane: Merging
Multiple Systems
NOTE: Displayed Computer Aided Dispatch data &
security locations (gates & cameras) is synthetic to
comply with CJIS requirements

13. Scale
● 50+ Square Miles
● 300+ Vessels
● 20 Security Event Types
● 100+ Facilities
● Expandable to More Data

14. Map
50 square miles are
displayed using a
combination of ArcGIS
base layers, 3D
buildings, & an ocean
layer to present a highly
detailed & realistic view.

15. Vessels
AIS transponder data
(names, types, size,
heading, configurations for
tug + barges, etc.) is used
to display 3D models,
movement (ML
predicted) & information
for all vessels.

16. Vessels
Vessels can be searched,
sorted & filtered in list
view by type, identifiers, &
name.

17. Security
CJIS Security Compliant
Computer Aided
Dispatch data is used to
display locations & status
of active security
incidents & security units
(vehicles & vessels).
NOTE: Displayed Computer Aided
Dispatch data & security locations
(gates & cameras) is synthetic to
comply with CJIS requirements

18. Security
NOTE: Displayed
Computer Aided Dispatch
data & security locations
(gates & cameras) is
synthetic to comply with
CJIS requirements

19. Facilities
All Key Port Facility
Locations (Oil Docks,
Cargo Docks, Admin
Buildings, Security
Cameras, Security Gates,
etc. ) are displayed.
NOTE: Displayed security locations
(gates & cameras) is synthetic data to
comply with CJIS requirements

20. Current
Features
● ArcGIS Custom Elevation Data: Coastlines & Water Display
● esri / ArcGIS 3D Building Layer: Docks, Buildings,
Refineries, etc.
● esri / ArcGIS Feature Layers: 3 Types
● esri / ArcGIS Maps Base Layers: 6 Types
● esri / ArcGIS Maps SDK for Unity
● Facility Information: Name, Location, Type, Description
● AIS: Vessel Locations, Types, Sizes, Headings, Images
● NOAA Ports: Aid to Navigation Sensor Data
● CAD: Computer Aided Dispatch System
● USCG Marsec level
● Weather.gov: Current Weather & Forecasts

21. Future
Phases
● AI/ML Ship Traffic Optimization (path projections & safety
zones)
● Cargo Management & Barge Tracking
● Security Cameras & Security Access
● Port Vehicles: Locations / Telemetry
● City & County Boundaries
● Automated Rules, Alerts & Notifications
● Fog, Wave, Wake & Weather Visualizations
● Historical Incident Playback, Simulations & Training
● Infrastructure: Pipelines, Hydrants, Power, etc.

22. July 2024 Video
NOTE: Displayed Computer Aided
Dispatch data & security locations
(gates & cameras) is synthetic to
comply with CJIS requirements

23. Active Digital Twins merge multiple systems into a single pane of glass & therefore provide
faster & better overall context assessment.
Active Digital Twins are different from simulation based Digital Twins in that they
present real-time data. Active Digital Twins reduce the cognitive load it takes to
process data while decreasing the amount of time to assess the context.
Summary

24. Contacts ● The Acceleration Agency:
○ Starr Long: starr@taa.io
● Port of Corpus Christi:
○ Darrell Keach: dkeach@pocca.com
Active Digital Twins: What & Why?