Assessing the Impact of Waterfront Environments on Public Well-Being Through Digital Twin Technology

Abstract

The application of digital twin (DT) technology in studying public environmental perception and associated health benefits is emerging, yet most research has focused on static green spaces, providing limited insights into dynamic waterscapes. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of waterfront and nonwaterfront environments on public physiological and psychological responses using a DT platform. A high-precision 3-D virtual replica of a suburban park was constructed using UAV oblique photogrammetry and handheld lidar scanning technologies. Real-time environmental data were integrated into the DT using IoT devices, establishing a dynamic link between the digital environment and physical worlds. Participants underwent field tests in both environments, measuring physiological indicators (e.g., heart rate and blood oxygen saturation) and psychological indicators (e.g., pleasure and relaxation). We found that waterfront environments outperformed nonwaterfront environments in terms of relaxation and vitality, while no significant differences were observed between the two environments regarding physiological indicators. In addition, ANCOVA and random forest analyses identified temperature and sunlight intensity as key environmental factors influencing heart rate and psychological well-being. The study reveals specific mechanisms through which different environmental characteristics impact public well-being and demonstrates the DT platform's capabilities in real-time environmental data collection and landscape quantification. These findings provide valuable insights for urban planners and public health policymakers in designing landscapes that enhance urban residents' health and well-being.