In this episode of the WGAN Forum Podcast, host Eric Marquette and the digital twin of We Get Around Network Founder and Managing Editor Dan Smigrod take a deep dive into how the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is leveraging cutting-edge technology, including 1,500+ Matterport scans, to enhance operations, sustainability, and efficiency. Recorded after Geo Week 2025 in Denver, this discussion explores how DFW is integrating digital twins, IoT sensors, and GIS mapping systems...
In this episode of the WGAN Forum Podcast, host Eric Marquette and the digital twin of We Get Around Network Founder and Managing Editor Dan Smigrod take a deep dive into how the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is leveraging cutting-edge technology, including 1,500+ Matterport scans, to enhance operations, sustainability, and efficiency. Recorded after Geo Week 2025 in Denver, this discussion explores how DFW is integrating digital twins, IoT sensors, and GIS mapping systems to streamline asset management and predictive maintenance.
Geo Week 2025: A Firsthand Perspective
Dan shares his experience at Geo Week, where three key sessions focused on DFW’s digital transformation. As the fifth busiest airport in the world, handling millions of passengers and nearly 2,000 aircraft daily, DFW has embraced advanced technologies to maintain and improve operational efficiency. Matterport scans play a critical role in documenting infrastructure, integrating with digital twin platforms, and enhancing data-driven decision-making.
Matterport's Role in DFW’s Digital Twin Ecosystem
The conversation highlights how Matterport is a cornerstone of DFW’s approach to creating dynamic digital twins. These scans help:
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Document terminal spaces and key infrastructure
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Enhance predictive maintenance for assets like passenger boarding bridges and HVAC systems
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Provide technicians with unique URLs for scanned spaces, allowing direct visual access to rooms and assets
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Integrate IoT sensor data for real-time monitoring
Dan speculates that DFW could potentially enhance these efforts by integrating SIMLAB SIM-ON, allowing Matterport scans to overlay additional datasets like BIM models, IoT sensor data, and maintenance records via IBM Maximo.
Operational Benefits and Predictive Maintenance
Matterport is revolutionizing asset management at DFW, eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional paper-based systems. The airport’s digital twin ecosystem allows teams to visually inspect assets before on-site visits, reducing downtime and ensuring maintenance teams are equipped with the right tools. By integrating predictive analytics, DFW can foresee potential failures in critical systems like HVACs and boarding bridges before they happen, optimizing resources and reducing costs.
Environmental Sustainability & Efficiency Gains
A standout segment focuses on how DFW is leveraging digital tools, including Matterport, to enhance sustainability:
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Reducing aircraft fuel consumption: By optimizing gate docking procedures, ensuring proper ground connections, and minimizing auxiliary power use, American Airlines alone is projected to save up to $15 million annually in fuel costs.
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Stormwater management: Matterport scans help track stormwater outflows, ensuring contaminant-free water sources and integrating real-time IoT monitoring to prevent environmental damage.
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Optimizing landscape management: The scans provide a visual framework for monitoring airport surroundings, enabling proactive environmental protection.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Twins at DFW
Dan and Eric discuss how DFW’s integration of Matterport, GIS, and predictive analytics sets a precedent for airports worldwide. With potential advancements like SIMLAB SIM-ON and wearable mobile mapping (NavVis VLX 3), DFW is pushing the boundaries of infrastructure management.
Final Thoughts & Call-to-Action
DFW’s approach demonstrates that digital transformation isn’t just about convenience—it’s about solving real-world challenges at scale. Listeners interested in learning more can visit:
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We Get Around Network Forum: www.WeGetAroundNetworkForum.com (search “Geo Week 2025”)
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Geo Week 2025: www.Geo-Week.com
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Dallas Fort Worth International Airport: www.DFWairport.com
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SIMLAB SIM-ON & SIMLAB STAGES: www.SIMLABinc.com
The episode wraps up with a surprising AI twist: Dan reveals that his voice in this podcast is actually his digital twin, generated using three AI platforms—one for transcription, another for identifying Matterport-specific insights, and a third for outlining and scripting the show.
As Eric sums it up: "Three different AI tools—and a human in the loop—to create this podcast. The future is here."
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For more on the AI tech and workflows for creating this podcast, go to: WGAN.INFO/DanSmigrod
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