A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration

Tolga Bozkurt; Zaide Duran

A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration

Abstract

This study develops a digital twin framework that integrates BIM (Building Information Modeling), GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and IoT (Internet of Things) sensor data to enhance real-time monitoring and operational visibility in metro stations. Although digital twin applications in the literature mainly focus on signaling, infrastructure health, or machine learning–based predictive maintenance, comprehensive station-level models that combine spatial representation with real-time sensor data remain limited. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to propose an institutionally applicable digital twin architecture through a case study conducted at a selected station within Metro Istanbul. In the proposed system, IoT sensors collect real-time data including temperature, humidity, air quality, vibration and ultrasonic noise, which are integrated with the IFC-based BIM model and GIS-based station map and visualized through a web-based dashboard. A case study design was adopted; data collection relied on IoT measurements, while system modeling utilized BIM and GIS layers. The results indicate that a BIM–GIS–IoT integrated digital twin significantly improves environmental monitoring, enhances visibility of station equipment status and supports more informed maintenance decisions. The originality of this study lies in transforming the digital twin components widely discussed in the literature into a unified monitoring platform implemented within an actual metro operation environment.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Metro Istanbul Inc., Digital Transformation Unit of the Design Center Directorate

Ethical Statement

This study does not involve human participants, personal data, or sensitive information. Only technical measurement data from IoT sensors were used. Therefore, no ethical approval was required, and all data were collected and processed in accordance with institutional data security policies.

Thanks

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my thesis supervisor, Prof. Dr. Zaide Duran, for her guidance and support throughout this research. I also thank the Digital Transformation Unit of the Design Center Directorate at Metro Istanbul Inc. for providing access to BIM, GIS, and IoT datasets and for supporting the technical procedures during the implementation. I further extend my appreciation to all colleagues who contributed to sensor installation, data collection, and dashboard development.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Geomatic Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Tolga Bozkurt ^*
0009-0003-8257-1244
Türkiye

Zaide Duran
0000-0002-1608-0119
Türkiye

Publication Date

April 30, 2026

Submission Date

December 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 6, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 1

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA39JM89PZ

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Bozkurt, T., & Duran, Z. (2026). A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, 13(1), 20-30. https://izlik.org/JA39JM89PZ

AMA

1.Bozkurt T, Duran Z. A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration. IJEGEO. 2026;13(1):20-30. https://izlik.org/JA39JM89PZ

Chicago

Bozkurt, Tolga, and Zaide Duran. 2026. “A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration”. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics 13 (1): 20-30. https://izlik.org/JA39JM89PZ.

EndNote

Bozkurt T, Duran Z (April 1, 2026) A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics 13 1 20–30.

IEEE

[1]T. Bozkurt and Z. Duran, “A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration”, IJEGEO, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 20–30, Apr. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA39JM89PZ

ISNAD

Bozkurt, Tolga - Duran, Zaide. “A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration”. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics 13/1 (April 1, 2026): 20-30. https://izlik.org/JA39JM89PZ.

JAMA

1.Bozkurt T, Duran Z. A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration. IJEGEO. 2026;13:20–30.

MLA

Bozkurt, Tolga, and Zaide Duran. “A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration”. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, vol. 13, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 20-30, https://izlik.org/JA39JM89PZ.

Vancouver

1.Tolga Bozkurt, Zaide Duran. A Digital Twin Applications in Rail Systems: A Real-Time Monitoring Framework Based on BIM–GIS–IoT Integration. IJEGEO [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 1;13(1):20-3. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA39JM89PZ