Digital twin technology applied at small-stream level; full 700 million won project cost covered by provincial funds
Gwangju is building a three-dimensional flood prediction system using digital twin technology applied at the small-stream level, as part of a proactive effort to address localized heavy rainfall driven by climate change.
According to the city Wednesday, the project covers 80 small streams across the region, totaling 116 kilometers in length. The full project cost of 700 million won ($495,000) has been secured entirely from provincial funds, easing the burden on the city's finances. The city completed budget appropriations through its first supplementary budget in August and plans to launch the full-scale service contract in October.
Once operational, the system will allow authorities to run two- and three-dimensional simulations showing hourly runoff volumes and flood progression under varying hypothetical rainfall amounts and durations.
The system marks a shift away from the previous reactive approach — which relied on real-time water-level monitoring before taking action — toward advance prediction of flood zones based on rainfall conditions. It is expected to significantly improve the speed and accuracy of disaster response when weather alerts are issued, enabling faster resident evacuation guidance and traffic restrictions.
"Through this digital twin-based flood prediction system, we will move beyond the existing focus on after-the-fact measures and transform into a proactive disaster prevention framework grounded in scientific data," Mayor Park Gwan-yeol said. "We will continue to do our utmost to protect the lives and property of Gwangju residents through thorough stream management."
pjh@heraldcorp.com
