The Port of Corpus Christi has deployed a sophisticated digital twin system that combines AI, geospatial data, and gaming technology to provide real-time 3D visualization of port operations.
Project overview: The Overall Port Tactical Information Computer System (OPTICS) transforms how the largest U.S. crude export terminal monitors and manages its 36-mile facility.
- Developed through a collaboration with GIS software provider Esri and funded by a FEMA Port Security Grant
- Built using Unity game engine and Esri’s ArcGIS Maps Software Development Kit
- Completed in August and integrates with police dispatch systems and commercial shipping data
Technical capabilities: The system creates a photorealistic digital representation of the port that enables comprehensive monitoring and rapid decision-making.
- Provides real-time visualization of vessel locations and movements
- Allows users to access vessel information and contact details with a simple click
- Geo-references all port assets within 1,000 feet of any location, including emergency services
- Integrates multiple data streams that previously required monitoring across several screens
Operational benefits: OPTICS streamlines port operations by centralizing critical information and enhancing situational awareness.
- Enables authorities to assess vessel navigation capabilities in real-time
- Facilitates faster communication among staff members
- Combines previously disconnected applications into a single interface
- Provides comprehensive oversight for both port authorities and law enforcement
Future developments: A second grant from the Department of Homeland Security worth $1 million will expand the system’s capabilities.
- Plans include direct integration with the port’s Esri enterprise geodatabase GeoPORT
- Enhanced vessel crossing prediction capabilities are in development
- New simulation features will be added for training purposes
Industry implications: The successful implementation of this digital twin technology at Corpus Christi sets a precedent for similar applications across transportation sectors.
- The system represents one of the most advanced examples of combining 3D digital twins with gaming technology
- The technology can be adapted for air and rail transportation applications
- Demonstrates the potential for organizations to leverage existing GIS investments through gaming technology integration
Looking ahead: While the Corpus Christi implementation marks a significant advancement in port management technology, its success could accelerate adoption across other critical infrastructure sectors where real-time visualization and coordinated response capabilities are essential for operations and security.
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