Context:
The City of Monaco was looking to develop a collaborative 3D application to substantially improve its firefighting teams' operational efficiency and safety during crucial interventions. This application had to integrate advanced IoT technology, enabling real-time tracking of firefighters within buildings using digital twins. Through this 3D app, control centers would be able to view the exact location and movement of firefighters inside structures, providing a new level of situational awareness and tactical advantage in emergency responses. Multiple users had to simultaneously view and interact with the 3D environment in real-time on tablets (from the fire trucks) and computers (from control centers). It was also important for the City to be able to sync data to the app securely.
The core development of the app was completed over two months. It was then deployed on an Azure Web App Service as 3dverse does not host deployment but can be deployed on any hosting service.
Challenge:
The City's existing application, developed with Unreal Engine lacked real-time collaboration. Moreover, this application was run locally on hardware and not usable on tablets in firetrucks, an essential tool in the operational context of firefighters. Given the objectives of the City of Monaco, 3dverse was chosen due to its secure and collaborative nature.
Application Key Features:
File Format: 3dverse was provided with the models and metadata. The main format was IFC, and the Oceanographic Museum was derived from a photogrammetric scan.
Real-Time Firefighter Tracking: Using the integrated indoor geolocation technology through IoTs (Internet of Things), the application could track and display the real-time position of firefighters within the Museum.
To enable indoor geolocation, firefighters wore bracelets connected to all the sensors in the building (IoTs). 3dverse then extracted the data into the app.
Metadata Accessibility: The app provided easy access to essential building metadata, such as locations of fire safety equipment, hazardous materials, and structural details, crucial for strategic planning during interventions. A third-party vendor extracted all visible 3D elements within a building from the metadata of the IFC files and 3dverse used this data and plugged it into the app.
Collaborative Functionality: The app's ability to support real-time collaboration was a critical feature. Real-time collaboration allowed on-site teams and command center personnel to view and interact with the same 3D model simultaneously, ensuring coordinated efforts.
Outcome & Impact:
Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The application significantly boosted the firefighters' ability to navigate complex buildings quickly and safely. It also allowed communication from different locations (inside the building, command center and firetrucks)
Improved Safety and Response Time: With better situational awareness, firefighters could respond more effectively, potentially reducing the time needed to control and extinguish fires. Additionally, incorporating IoT solutions played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of firefighters, providing them with real-time data and analytics to navigate hazardous environments more safely and efficiently.
Scalability and Expansion: Initially focused on the Oceanographic Museum, the application's design allows for potential expansion to other key buildings in Monaco.
Future Development Possibilities: The project opened avenues for further enhancements, such as integrating augmented reality features and expanding the range of buildings included in the application.