Insights for urban policy through integration of Digital Twin technology and operational traffic data
14 Nov 2024[Press release]
Collaboration offers policymakers direct insights from urban traffic and infrastructure for more effective decision-making
Wagenberg, November 14
First Dutch cities
The City of Helmond, Argaleo and Monotch join forces within the Dutch Metropolitan Innovations (DMI) ecosystem to transform urban planning with innovative technology. By linking Argaleo’s digital twin to the Urban Data Access Platform (UDAP), a data-rich environment is created that supports Helmond in making strategic, well-founded decisions. This collaboration offers a first in the field of real-time city data and enables a more complete and up-to-date picture of the urban environment.

Real-time insights for policymakers
Thanks to this integration, policymakers and urban planners can access real-time data on traffic, intersections and infrastructure in one user-friendly environment for the first time. “It is unique that policymakers can now see what is happening in their city in one overview,” says Paul Potters, Director of Smart Mobility at Monotch. “They now gain clear insights into how infrastructure and traffic data influence urban safety and accessibility. This forms a solid basis for future-oriented policy decisions.”
Optimal accessibility for emergency services
With this data, Helmond gains a better insight into the effectiveness of, among other things, emergency assistance, such as the response times of ambulances in dense neighbourhoods. “Helmond has to build a lot through infill development, which poses challenges for accessibility,” says Luuk Misdom, Senior Project Leader Smart Mobility at the City of Helmond. “These insights help us better assess whether, for example, ambulances can continue to reach their destination within 15 minutes – crucial information for urban policymaking.”
Data as a foundation for a safer city
The technology ensures that traffic data and infrastructure information can be used proactively for urban development. For example, the digital twin shows where ambulances are quickly given priority at smart traffic lights (smart TLCs) and where improvements are possible. “Thanks to the UDAP integration in our digital twin, urban planners can get started with visual and interactive data,” says Jeroen Steenbakkers, director and owner of Argaleo. “It enables us to make data truly usable for strategic planning in conjunction with other data sources.”
International recognition and future-oriented vision
This project was demonstrated at the Smart City Expo Congress in Barcelona in early November and received with enthusiasm. Dutch municipalities can now use this technology to shape the future of urban mobility and safety in a targeted manner. This collaboration not only offers new opportunities for Digital Twin technology and C-ITS platforms but also inspires other cities to embrace data-driven urban planning. Interested municipalities can request a free demo via Argaleo.
About Argaleo
Argaleo is committed to improving the quality of life in the Netherlands with our advanced digital twin software. As a young and dynamic company from Brabant, we combine high-quality data analysis with a practical, no-nonsense approach. Our technologies enable governments and companies to make faster and better-informed decisions for the benefit of both current and future generations.
We focus on improving safety, mobility and economic development. In doing so, we make important contributions to real-time management and planning of urban processes. Through our technologies, we strive to actively support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 – realising sustainable cities and communities. As a fast-growing company, we stand for innovation and sustainability and are committed to developing solutions that are not only technically advanced but also practically applicable and directly contribute to a better living environment.
About Monotch
Founded in 2015, Monotch is growing rapidly as an international market leader in the smart mobility market. As the foundation of smart mobility, we provide the fundamental platform for digital infrastructure and connected mobility with our Traffic Live Exchange Platform (TLEX®). We deploy our solutions worldwide and ensure that they integrate seamlessly into existing traffic systems to enable real-time data exchange and interoperability. Innovation is key for Monotch, and we develop safe, efficient and sustainable solutions that not only support the future of smart mobility worldwide but also actively stimulate it.
About Helmond
The City of Helmond is located in the Brainport region and is one of the G40 cities. Helmond will grow from around 100,000 to 120,000 inhabitants in the coming years. For 15 years, Helmond has been one of the leaders in the field of Smart Mobility, both in the Netherlands and Europe. With the help of projects and partnerships, we give substance to the tasks that the city’s growth entails. For this, we use digitalisation, among other things.