Transforming Emergency Preparedness: How Digital Twin Imaging and Matterport are Transforming Public Safety

Founded in 2021 by robotics surgeon, Dr. Maria Bell, Digital Twin Imaging (DTI), was created with a bold vision in mind- to revolutionize how we experience and prepare for real-world environments. Drawing from her experience in the operating room, where spatial awareness and accuracy are paramount, Dr. Bell saw a unique opportunity to apply the same principles to real-world environments. Her vision? To give emergency personnel the same level of situational clarity before entering a space that a surgeon has during a procedure.

Today, DTI stands at the forefront of digital transformation and public safety; using Matterport's Pro3 camera to create precise 3D digital twins of critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and public buildings. These digital models are designed to assist emergency service workers by providing detailed spatial awareness, thereby improving response times and safety outcomes.

DTI's collaboration with Matterport began with a clear goal to deliver accurate, high-fidelity digital twins that are both operationally valuable and easy to deploy. The high precision lidar capabilities of the Matterport Pro3 offer the ideal combination of indoor-outdoor performance, rapid scanning speed, and data security. According to Dr. Bell, "Matterport has been an exceptional business partner. As a first-time entrepreneur, their guidance and support have been instrumental in helping me successfully launch and grow my company. Our partnership has shown exponential value, as accuracy is everything when lives are on the line, and immersive digital twins are becoming essential for emergency preparedness."The decision to adopt Matterport was also influenced by the platform's usability. The ease of the platform enables DTI's team to quickly onboard new users and collaborate with stakeholders remotely.

While DTI has completed digital captures of more 60 public buildings, one of DTI's most impactful initiatives was in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where teams were to capture 3D models of all schools' kindergarten through 12th grade rooms - allowing first responders to reduce response and resolutions times by 90%.

These environments were digitally mapped down to the smallest detail; annotating automated external defibrillator (AED) locations, fire extinguishers, exits, and hydrants-providing first responders with immediate access to mission-critical information. The results were dramatic: In a timed SWAT training simulation, officers who used the Matterport models to pre-plan their entry were able to reduce room-to-room search times from over 7 minutes to under 30 seconds.

DTI leverages Matterport's scanning technologies to create highly detailed digital replicas of physical buildings, enhancing security through precision and situational awareness. By capturing every structural element-from entry points and corridors to restricted zones and surveillance placements-the scans provide a comprehensive visual and spatial map that can be used for threat assessment, emergency planning, and access control. These digital twins enable security teams to simulate scenarios, monitor vulnerabilities, and coordinate responses with greater accuracy, ultimately transforming static environments into dynamic, data-rich assets for proactive protection.

DTI's use of Matterport doesn't stop at capture; it's about creating a platform for preparation and prevention. The 3D models are accessible to emergency teams across devices and can be easily updated or expanded with new data layers. Using tools like notes, measurement, and data tagging, stakeholders-from school administrators to fire marshals-can collaborate without ever stepping foot onsite.

For example, Okoboji Middle School leveraged Digital Twin Imaging's security model to streamline its remodeling and construction planning, resulting in significant cost savings across multiple phases of the project. By creating precise digital twins of the facility, the district was able to reduce the need for repeated site visits, accelerate decision-making, and minimize design revisions-saving both time and money. The imaging also supported more accurate bids and estimates from contractors, helping avoid costly change orders

Additionally, Matterport's support for BIM file downloads and Autodesk Revit plugin integration allows DTI to provide valuable assets to architects, safety consultants, and city planners. The models serve not only for emergency response, but also for building assessments, safety audits, and compliance planning.

DTI measures success in both lives protected and resources saved. With Matterport, the company has:

• Cut down the need for multiple on-site visits

• Accelerated stakeholder alignment through virtual walkthroughs

• Reduced time to decision-making on building safety improvements

The cost savings for the school are estimated at $50,000. But perhaps the most important value isn't measured in time or dollars but peace of mind. When every second counts, knowing the layout of a building can be the difference between chaos and control. "As a robotic cancer surgeon, I've dedicated my career to saving lives one patient at a time. But when we use Matterport's digital models to enhance school security, we're protecting entire communities, potentially saving dozens of lives before a threat ever materializes. It's proactive medicine for public safety," says Dr. Bell.

Both Matterport and DTI are dedicated to delivering clarity on where and when it matters most. The integration of Matterport's technology into DTI's workflow has yielded significant benefits in improving response times, enhanced training, and accessibility to information.

DTI aims to expand its use of digital twin technology to more communities, enhancing public safety infrastructure nationwide. The ongoing development includes adding more data layers to the models, providing even more detailed information for emergency personnel; giving first responders the tools they need to navigate complex environments quickly and confidently. With Matterport at the core of its capture workflow, the company aims to redefine emergency readiness, one digital twin at a time.