Real and digital - From the virtual image of the factual; [Real und digital – vom virtuellen Bild des Faktischen]

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between real-world objects and their digital representations. Digital models are increasingly used to describe places, infrastructure and other elements of the physical environment, creating new opportunities for analysis, visualization and communication. A virtual representation can help users understand complex situations by bringing together spatial data, models and additional information in one environment. At the same time, the quality and usefulness of a digital image depend on the data, methods and assumptions used to create it. The article considers this connection between the factual world and its virtual representation and highlights the growing importance of digital spatial information. Such representations can support planning, monitoring and communication by allowing users to examine situations from different perspectives. They can also provide a basis for simulations in which possible changes are explored before they are implemented in reality. The development of digital twins and related technologies has strengthened this relationship between physical and digital environments. However, digital models should be understood as tools that represent selected aspects of reality rather than complete replacements for direct observation. The contribution therefore encourages a practical understanding of how virtual representations can support real-world decisions. It shows why accurate geospatial data, clear modeling methods and appropriate interpretation are important when moving between physical conditions and their digital counterparts. This perspective is especially relevant as digital twins and other model-based systems become more common. Their value depends on maintaining a useful relationship with the physical world, updating information when conditions change and clearly understanding what each model is intended to represent.