Explore the Digital Twin of the Ōtākaro Avon River, a virtual model designed to improve understanding of the river and its catchments

A digital twin is a digitised model of a physical asset, using accurate or real-time data to enable the virtual testing of an asset. 

In 2024, Smart Christchurch collaborated with the University of Canterbury to develop a digital twin for the Ōtākaro Avon River and its catchments, through the Central City and Hagley Park. 

The twin will help improve understanding of all aspects of the river - managing natural hazards; improving environmental outcomes; improving decision-making, and giving effect to Te Mana o te Wai. 

Further key sites will be identified, and data and analytics will be applied to provide information to decision-makers and the community in an appropriate format. 

The key sites will be chosen to test scenarios of possible contamination and/or flood risk.