Abstract
Digital planning for urban systems benefits from integrated frameworks that capture cross-sectoral dependencies, support causal reasoning, and adapt to diverse data sources. This paper introduces a methodological approach for Digital Twinning that combines backward-chaining analysis with directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to identify, decompose, and interlink key performance indicators across three critical planning domains: drinking water supply, urban heat stress, and housing provision. Building on a comprehensive indicator review from prior work, we selected key targets for analysis. Using backward chaining, we trace each indicator to its fundamental components and classify variables according to the DPSIR framework (Driving Forces, Pressures, States, Impacts, and Responses). We then quantify relational dependencies and network centrality metrics to construct sector-specific DAGs, specifying required spatial data objects and metric calculation functions. Finally, we merge overlapping elements into an integrated cross-sector DAG, revealing critical causal pathways and enabling scenario testing across diverse driver variations, including climate change, demographic shifts, and credit conditions. Our results demonstrate how interventions in infrastructural and natural systems propagate through improvements in water reliability, thermal comfort, and housing affordability. The proposed framework clarifies data requirements and analytic workflows for creating effective Digital Planning tools while offering a scalable template for extending cross-sectoral impact analysis to additional urban challenges. By structuring complex interactions into a unified causal schema, this approach empowers planners to evaluate trade-offs, test policy scenarios, and support evidence-based decision-making in rapidly evolving urban contexts.
Water supply system
Causal Chain
Explore the causal chain for water supply planning and monitoring. The interactive visualization allows you to see the relationships between different indicators and their classifications.
Directed Acyclic Model
View Water System diagram (PDF)
Urban Heat Stress
Causal Chain
Explore the causal chain for urban heat stress. The interactive visualization allows you to see the relationships between different indicators and their classifications.
Directed Acyclic Model
View Heat Architecture diagram (PDF)
Housing provision
Causal Chain
Explore the causal chain for housing provision. The interactive visualization allows you to see the relationships between different indicators and their classifications.
Directed Acyclic Model
View Housing DAG (PDF)
Integrated Directed Acyclic Model
This is the integrated model across the three planning sectors. Explore the full model and the interrelations present from object to object. In dark blue there is a descriptive function that should be included when transforming the model into an operational tool.