Web Desk
Chinese scientists have created a detailed 3D virtual replica of Shanghai, offering law enforcement a powerful new tool for real-time monitoring and emergency response.
Developed using the Unreal Engine, a platform best known for powering video games like Fortnite, this digital twin blends cutting-edge mapping, AI, and real-time data overlays to create a near-perfect simulation of the city.
The project was led by the Shanghai Surveying and Mapping Institute and the Ministry of Natural Resources’ lab for megacity data analytics.
Accurate to Within 3 Centimeters
The virtual Shanghai boasts an accuracy of under 3 centimeters (1.2 inches).
Officers can view streets, subways, fire hydrants, traffic lights—even underground infrastructure—directly from their phones.
During emergencies, they can overlay live CCTV footage, traffic data, and heat maps to visualize the situation instantly and act faster.
AI-Enhanced Mapping of 25 Million Residents
Creating a twin of a megacity like Shanghai, home to nearly 25 million people, required immense computing power and AI. The system uses:
Airborne laser scanning
Street-level lidar
Drones, vehicle-mounted sensors, and backpack scanners
These tools fed into AI algorithms that turned everyday objects—like lamp posts, manholes, and even mailboxes—into accurate 3D models.
Petabytes of data were used to recreate every corner of the city, including blind spots and hard-to-reach areas.
From Gaming to Policing
The result looks like something out of Grand Theft Auto—but instead of being used for entertainment, it’s a serious public safety tool.
Police can access building floor plans, occupancy records, and utility lines, helping them respond to disasters, fires, or crimes more efficiently.
Biometric Surveillance Integration Still Unclear
Shanghai, like many Chinese cities, has installed facial recognition and biometric cameras throughout its streets.
However, it’s still unclear whether this sensitive surveillance data will be integrated into the virtual city system.
A Glimpse of the Future
This digital twin may represent the future of smart cities, where virtual models guide real-world decisions in real time.
While the technology brings efficiency and safety, it also raises questions about data privacy, surveillance, and individual freedoms.
