Digital Twins – Foundations

This course provides a clear and practical introduction to digital twins within the context of infrastructure. It demystifies what digital twins are, how they differ from related concepts such as BIM, and why they are becoming increasingly important across the asset lifecycle. Participants will explore the core components of a digital twin, including data, models, systems, and governance, and understand how these elements come together to support better decision-making. Through simple examples and case studies, the course highlights typical use cases and benefits, as well as common misconceptions and challenges. By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence to engage in informed discussions about digital twins and understand their role within wider digital transformation initiatives.

This course provides a foundation-level introduction and acts as the first step in a structured learning journey that can progress to intermediate and executive-level courses focused on applications, strategy, and leadership in digital twins.

This course builds on and complements existing ICE Training content related to digital engineering, BIM, information management, and asset management:

• ICE BIM for Infrastructure – Foundation (M0209)
• ICE BIM for Infrastructure – BIM in Practice (M0210)
• BIM Implementation - Putting People First (M0203) 

Indicative reference materials may include:

• ISO 19650 series / UK’s IMI Framework (formerly called the UK BIM Framework)
• Information management and asset management frameworks
• Industry and government initiatives, including the UK’s National Digital Twin Programme
• UK Government-backed Digital Twin Hub and UK Digital Twin Centre
• Increasing interest at most AEC events and AEC-related bodies and professional institutions for ‘Digital Twin’ related content
• Selected case studies from UK and international infrastructure projects

•  Duration: Half-day or one-day course

•  Delivery mode: Virtual or in-person

•  Interactive elements:

• Short case study examples
• Facilitated discussions
• Knowledge check quizzes
• Simple mapping exercises linking digital twin maturity to the asset lifecycle and projects

Course Structure

Module	Title	Description
1	Introduction to Digital Twins	Overview of digital transformation in infrastructure and the emergence of digital twins, including key drivers and industry context. UK National Digital Twin Programme introduced.
2	What Is a Digital Twin?	Definitions and core characteristics of digital twins, and how they differ from BIM, digital models, and simulations. How Digital Twins are defined in the UK and beyond.
3	Core Components and Architecture	Introduction to data sources, models, system integration, governance, and enabling technologies that underpin digital twins.
4	Use Cases Across the Asset Lifecycle	Illustrative examples of how digital twins are applied during planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
5	Benefits, Challenges, and Common Pitfalls	Examination of the value digital twins can deliver, alongside typical barriers, risks, and misconceptions.
6	Digital Twins in Practice	High-level case studies highlighting practical applications and lessons learned from early adopters. UK National Digital Twin Programme examples.
7	Next Steps and Learning Pathways	Guidance on progressing from foundational understanding to application, strategy, and leadership-focused digital twins learning.

Course Tutor

Steven Eglinton
Steven is a digital transformation and information management specialist with over 25 years’ experience across infrastructure, rail, energy, water and the built environment. His expertise spans BIM, geospatial and GIS, digital twins, information governance and CDE implementation.

He has delivered digital and BIM training to thousands of professionals and is a Principal Tutor for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). He also delivers programmes for BSI, CIOB and RICS. Steven has held senior advisory roles with organisations including the World Bank, WSP, Skanska and UK Government departments, and has contributed to sector groups such as BIM4Infrastructure UK, the BCS Business Information Systems Group and the AGI Asset Management SIG.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), a Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS), a Fellow of the British Cartographic Society (FBCart.S), a Member of the Institute of Directors (MIoD) and a Member of the Permanent Way Institution (MPWI).


 

 

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Define what a digital twin is and explain its core components
• Distinguish between digital twins, BIM, and other digital representations
• Describe how digital twins support infrastructure planning, delivery, and operation
• Identify typical use cases and benefits of digital twins across sectors
• Recognise common barriers, risks, and enablers to successful implementation
• Understand the drivers behind the UK National Digital Twin Programme examples.

This course is designed for early to mid-career infrastructure professionals seeking a foundational understanding of digital twins:
 

• Typical participants may include engineers, project managers, asset managers, digital leads, and client representatives working in infrastructure planning, delivery, or operations.
   
• No prior specialist digital twins knowledge is required. A general awareness of infrastructure projects and basic familiarity with digital concepts such as BIM or data management is beneficial but not essential.
   
• Whilst some technology will be discussed, this is not a hands-on technology course. It is a seminar-style course to increase awareness and opportunities for use of digital twins in the built environment sectors, including AEC and asset management.