371. Geo Week 2025: How 1,500+ Matterport Scans are Used by the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

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:

• Document terminal spaces and key infrastructure

• Enhance predictive maintenance for assets like passenger boarding bridges and HVAC systems

• Provide technicians with unique URLs for scanned spaces, allowing direct visual access to rooms and assets

• 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:

• 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.

• Stormwater management: Matterport scans help track stormwater outflows, ensuring contaminant-free water sources and integrating real-time IoT monitoring to prevent environmental damage.

• 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:

• We Get Around Network Forum: www.WeGetAroundNetworkForum.com (search “Geo Week 2025”)

• Geo Week 2025:

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Today's WGAN Forum Podcast is forMatterport Service Providers: how the

(00:05):
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport -a literal mini-city - has been leveraging
cutting-edge technology to operate moreefficiently.

But here's the twist (00:12):
we're focusing on their use of 1,500+
Matterport scans in the mix of it all.
Dan, I know you had the chance to witnessthis transformation firsthand at Geo Week
2025.
Aside from the single digit temperaturesand snow, can you tell us what it was
like?Yeah, absolutely, Eric.
Geo Week, which took place inmid-February in Denver, is essentially a

(00:39):
crossroads for everything geospatial andbuilt-environment tech.
It's not just a conference-it's an expowhere you see the leading edge of
technology that's redefining industries.
What stood out this year were threesessions centered on the digital

(01:01):
evolution of the Dallas Fort WorthInternational Airport - or DFW, as we'll
refer to it-to make operations moreseamless, sustainable, and data-rich.And
it's interesting, right?
Geo Week has this wider focus ongeospatial solutions, but it's also where

(01:23):
you start to see how these tools areactually being applied in real-world
scenarios.
DFW, for example, is this rapidly growinghub, responsible for handling millions of
passengers and nearly 2,000 aircraft flyin and out daily of the fifth busiest
airport in the world.
It really seems like the perfect testingground for a lot of these advanced tech

(01:43):
innovations.Exactly.
Across the three sessions - first, thekeynote, then two deeper dive sessions -
the DFW team detailed how they'veintegrated technologies like dynamic
digital twins, which bring all differenttypes of data into one operational
workflow.

(02:04):
For example, the entire Terminal D andkey infrastructure areas have been
scanned and integrated into the DFWdigital twin and GIS mapping systems.
Matterport is one of the 3D scanning techused to document assets and spaces and
actively enhance how those assets aremanaged within the DFW aggressive

(02:31):
expansion and modernizationagenda.Matterport feels like a natural
fit with DFW's operations.
I mean, you take a sprawlinginfrastructure like an airport, add
literally thousands of assets-rooms,equipment, terminals-and you're dealing
with something so complex that paperbasically becomes useless.

(02:51):
And at Geo Week 2025, it sounds like thisall came to life on the stage, right?Oh,
very much so.
The visuals and workflows they sharedwere just as impressive as the tech
behind them, Eric.
But what made it all click for me was thediscussions around how they're setting
standards-whether it's integrating liveIoT sensors or creating models that can

(03:20):
predict maintenance needs.
It wasn't just about showcasing whatthey've done, but also what's possible,
and Matterport is integral to that techstack story.Alright, I'm sold.
Let's dive in deeper and break it downfor our listeners.
Coming right up, we'll explore thefoundation of the DFW digital

(03:43):
transformation - digital twins - and howMatterport is playing a pivotal role.
Stick around.Alright, as we teasedearlier, it sounds like Matterport is
absolutely central to the DFW digitaltransformation.
Dan, let's break down exactly how thisplatform is being used to create and
refine those digital twins we heard somuch about.Great question, Eric.

(04:04):
So, Matterport serves as a cornerstone inthe DFW approach to creating dynamic
digital twins.
It starts with their ability to captureultra-detailed 3D scans of physical
spaces.
I could imagine, Eric, that DFW may addSIMLAB SIM-ON to enable overlaying those

(04:28):
Matterport scans with otherdatasets-things like building information
models, IoT sensor data, or evenhistorical maintenance records via the
SIMLAB SIM-ON integration with IBM Maximo.
That fusion creates a living, breathingmodel of the airport's infrastructure,
enabling teams to see and interact withtheir facilities in entirely new ways.

(04:53):
DFW using Matterport + SIMLAB SIM-ONintegration is just me speculating.
That said, DFW is already doing real-timeIoT sensor data overlays of other digital
twin platforms, so Matterport + SIMLABSIM-ON seem like a great way to add value

(05:14):
to the fifth teen hundred plus Matterportscans of DFW.That's incredible.
So we're talking, like, a completedigital replica of a terminal or a
room-down to millimeters?Exactly.
And the use cases are immense.
One standout application we saw at GeoWeek was asset management.
For instance, with Matterport, you've gotunique URLs for every scanned space,

(05:39):
including specific rooms or evenindividual assets within those rooms.
These get tied into a G-I-S map.
...Wait.
URLs for rooms? Yes.
Each Matterport asset or room scanbecomes a linkable point of reference, so
technicians or planners can clickdirectly into an area from the map and

(06:02):
see exactly what's there.
It's a visual aid that marries perfectlywith the DFW operational data.
And for a place like DFW, with over250,000 endpoints being monitored, that
level of access and clarity issuper-amazing.No kidding.
It sounds like it eliminates so muchguesswork.

(06:24):
But, you know, there's another aspect Iwant to dig into -predictive maintenance.
How does Matterport factor intomaintaining critical systems like HVACs
or even passenger boarding bridges?That'san excellent question, Eric.

Here's how it works (06:38):
Matterport comes in at the documentation phase - essentially
capturing "as-is" conditions of assetssuch as the boarding bridges.
From there, other scans feed into thelarger Building Information Model.

(06:59):
Within that model, they overlay data frompredictive algorithms or ongoing IoT
monitors for things like structural wear,temperature fluctuations, or abnormal
usage patterns.So you're saying, if anHVAC system is showing signs of wear, the

(07:19):
digital twin could predict when it mightfail?Precisely.
And not just predict - it pinpointsissues with visual accuracy.
Teams can virtually inspect the problembeforehand using the Matterport scans, so
when they do go on-site, they're preparedwith the right tools and resources.

(07:39):
That level of proactive planningsignificantly reduces downtime and
costs.It's like you're streamliningeverything, from diagnostics to repairs.
That must have come across loud and clearat Geo Week.
Any examples they shared that reallystood out?Absolutely.
The DFW team highlighted scenarios withthe passenger boarding bridges - critical

(08:04):
for flight operations.
Using Matterport scans, they couldprioritize maintenance based on
predictive insights.
Say there's wear on a wheel bearing.
...
DFW teams know exactly which bridge needsattention and can even estimate the

(08:24):
required downtime.
It blew me away how they're combiningdigital tools with traditional
maintenance workflows so seamlessly.Mindblown.
The potential applications here seemalmost limitless.
I can't even imagine doing all of thatwithout digital twins!
It's almost like - yeah - almost likeit'd be impossible!Right!

(08:46):
It really illustrates how critical thesetechnologies are becoming.
DFW isn't just using this forflashiness-they're solving real-world
challenges at scale, and Matterport isplaying a vital role in it.It's inspiring
stuff.
I mean, who knew Matterport scanning ofhouses for sale could evolve into

(09:07):
something this impactful?
Alright, let's keep this rolling.
More on how DFW is pushing the boundariesof integration - coming up next.Dan, the
use of Matterport at DFW is alreadyincredible, from digital twins to playing
a role in predictive maintenance.
But I know there's another angle wherethis technology is making waves -

(09:27):
environmental sustainability.
That sounds like an absolute game-changer.
What more can you share onthat?Absolutely Eric.
Sustainability is a major focus for DFW,and Matterport is a critical tool in
their efforts to make operations moreenvironmentally friendly.
One area where this is really shining istheir approach to improving aircraft fuel

(09:53):
efficiency.
At Geo Week, DFW representativesshowcased how they're leveraging
Matterport within their broader digitaltwin ecosystem to tackle inefficiencies
head-on.Wait, fuel efficiency - how doesthat even connect to Matterport?Great
question.
It starts with how aircraft are dockedand serviced at boarding gates.

(10:17):
DFW collects data on how these processesunfold, and Matterport's role here is in
providing ultra-precise 3D scans of thegates and related systems.
These Matterport scans - and otherrelated tech - help teams visualize and
correct inefficiencies, like ensuringground connections, such as ventilation

(10:41):
hoses and electrical hookups, areproperly aligned and functioning.
Without those connections, planes oftenkeep auxiliary power running
unnecessarily, which burns throughfuel.Ah, so it's not just about avoiding
wasted fuel but also ensuring a betterenvironmental footprint overall.

(11:02):
That's impressive.Exactly.
And DFW shared an incredible statistic.
By optimizing these workflows andensuring proper connections using these
visual aids, American Airlines alonecould save up to $15 million annually in
fuel costs just at DFW.
And, Eric, that's to say nothing of theenvironmental benefits in reducing

(11:27):
emissions.
It's a powerful example of howvisualization tools like Matterport can
drive big-picture sustainabilityimprovements.Amazing.
And it's not just inside the terminals orgates where Matterport comes into play,
right?
Weren't they also using it to managelandscape and outdoor spaces?Absolutely,
Eric.
They've extended this efficiency-firstmindset to landscaping and managing their

(11:53):
surrounding environment.
For instance, stormwater outflows aroundthe airport are critical for maintaining
clean and sustainable water sources.
Matterport scans of these areas helpteams track stormwater quality, monitor
for contaminants, and take quick actionwhen issues arise.So you're talking about

(12:20):
things like runoff management andensuring no pollutants are leaching into
nearby creeks and lakes?Exactly.
And DFW has set up IoT sensors acrossthese outflows, enabling real-time
monitoring tied to their digital twinsystem.
The Matterport scans, meanwhile, create aclear visual context for what these areas

(12:40):
physically look like, which is absolutelyessential for decision-making.
If there's an issue - increased sedimentlevels, for example - the team can
reference the scans directly and visuallyconfirm problem areas.
I could imagine that the DFW team usesCloudCompare with the before and after

(13:07):
Matterport E57 files to seestatistically, the amount of change in
the environment.
For clarification, that's just mespeculating how the change in sediment
levels might be calculated.It's sofascinating to hear how these tools,
which you'd think are just for capturing3D imagery, are influencing long-term
sustainability goals.

(13:28):
I mean, no one ever thinks about the"hidden heroes" behind environmental
efforts like this.Exactly, Eric.
And the big takeaway here is that toolslike Matterport are enabling teams to see
their operations in ways they never couldbefore - be it inside a terminal or out

(13:48):
in the environmental landscapes.
It's the ability to link digital replicaswith real-world environmental outcomes
that underscores how far this technologyhas come.It really illustrates how a

(14:09):
modern airport is not just about flightsand logistics anymore - it's a living,
breathing ecosystem.
Alright, Matterporters, coming up, we'llexplore more of DFW's journey into
innovation, including even smarterintegrations with their digital twins.
Stay tuned.Dan, we ended on how toolslike Matterport redefine what a modern

(14:32):
airport can achieve - not just inoperations but also sustainability.
Let's dive deeper.
How exactly are they integrating thistech to push environmental goals even
further?Absolutely, Eric.
One standout example is how Matterportstreamlines asset surveys and maintenance
protocols, creating ripple effects inefficiency.

(14:53):
Sustainability ties in because greateroperational clarity minimizes waste,
whether in fuel, time or resources.
DFW showcased this beautifully during GeoWeek.Interesting.
So, streamlined surveys...

(15:14):
does that mean faster inspections orfewer errors - or both?Both.
With Matterport, DFW captureultra-precise scans of spaces and even
individual assets like HVAC systems orelectrical panels.
These scans then integrate into DFW'sdigital twin platform, providing visual

(15:35):
references tied to asset data.
It's super-efficient for preventing smallissues from snowballing.That sounds
incredibly efficient.
And the environmental payoff here?Huge.
For instance, streamlined maintenancereduces unnecessary energy use by keeping

(15:58):
systems like HVACs running efficiently.
It's not just theoretical-metrics fromDFW show noticeable cuts in operational
costs directly tied to bettermaintenance; and that leads to reduced
carbon footprints.Ah, I see.
But let's zoom out from assets for asecond.

(16:20):
There's also landscape and watermanagement, right?Exactly.
Using Matterport, DFW drafted scans ofstormwater outflows and surrounding areas
critical for clean water monitoring.
This extends their digital twin ecosystemoutdoors.
And again, me speculating about what'spossible.

(16:42):
For example.
imagine using Matterport + SIMLAB SIM-ONfor real-time IoT sensor data overlays;
along with the actual existing GISoverlays to prevent environmental impacts
like sediment or pollutant runoff intoTexas water systems.Okay, but how does

(17:03):
that data make its way intodecision-making?
Speaking of dynamic integrations...It'ssimple yet powerful.
The DFW team can visually vet problemareas and cross-reference them with
contaminant alerts from IoT data sensors.
Those scans deliver clarity so fieldoperators address the exact issue,

(17:24):
preventing guesswork or waste.
And, long-term, this approach supportsthe DFW commitment to sustainability
goals.Amazing, Dan.
It all seems so fluid - like everything'sconnected.
Oh!
One more element-Eric's Insights Corner.
Let's pivot for a moment-have you noticedhow digital twins in other sectors create

(17:48):
modular solutions forinfrastructure?Absolutely, Eric, there's
a fascinating overlap.
One case involves modular constructionfor an entirely new rail terminal.
The modular sections are built offsite,like Legos, and assembled into the
terminal perfectly onsite.
DFW is also already doing this.

(18:12):
I could imagine -- and again just mespeculating -- DFW using a NavVis VLX 3
wearable mobile mapping system + SIMLABSTAGES -- with its ProCore integration --
to track construction progress.
That includes comparing each stage of theLego-like construction to the BIM model

(18:36):
to find problems before the problemsscale exponentially in rework, time and
money.Alright, so modular, holistic, andhyper-focused on data-driven outcomes.
The future is here, it seems.
And for DFW, their game plan only getsmore inspiring.Dan, what an incredible
journey we've seen so far-from the DFWmodular successes to their integration of

(19:01):
digital twins including Matterport.
It's truly inspiring to see howseamlessly these tools are shaping DFW
airport operations while advancingsustainability in such impactful ways.
Let's dive deeper into this synergy andexplore what's next.Absolutely, Eric.
I think what really stands out -- likeyou said -- is how holistic their

(19:22):
approach is.
The Dallas Fort Worth InternationalAirport shows that technology isn't just
about convenience - it's solvingreal-world challenges at scale.
And for anyone tuned in who's curious todig deeper into this story, there are
some great places to start.Yes!
If you found today's discussion asfascinating as I did, remember to check

(19:44):
out more details from Geo Week 2025.
You can head over to the We Get AroundNetwork Forum at
www.WeGetAroundNetworkForum.comand search for the tag "Geo Week 2025."
The WGAN Forum has all the insightsthere.And, of course, the Geo Week
website itself - www.Geo-Week.com- is the go-to for anyone

(20:11):
interested in exploring the broaderimplications of geospatial and
built-environment tech.
Whether you're in the field or just a fanof innovation, you'll find a treasure
trove of information there.Oh, and don'tforget about the Dallas Fort Worth
International Airport either!
Their commitment to transforming airportexperiences is seriously next-level.

(20:35):
Learn about the airport and theirleading-edge projects directly by

visiting (20:38):
www.DFWairport.com
And you mentioned SIMLAB SIM-ON andSIMLAB STAGES.

Go to (20:47):
www.SIMLABinc.com
Eric, I couldn't agree more - from operations to
sustainability and everything in between,The Dallas Fort Worth International
Airport is really setting an example forindustries everywhere.
It's a story worth following.Thanks forspending your time with us.

(21:10):
Whether you're a Matterport ServiceProvider, or just curious and passionate
about digital twins shaping the future ofreal estate today.
And on that note, my friends, that wrapsit up for today!
And, Dan, just one more thing.
Your voice sounds a tiny bit differenttoday.Eric, yes.
I am actually Dan's digital twin voice.
AI was used to create our voices.

(21:33):
To transcribe the three Geo Weeksessions, a second AI platform was used.
A third AI platform was used to pull outthe Matterport specific references among
the three DFW sessions at Geo Week.
And, AI was used to outline and thenwrite the script for today's show using

(21:55):
the session transcripts and Matterportfact sheet.
Prompts were written by We Get AroundNetwork Founder and Managing Editor
Dan Smigrod
Dan also edited the podcast outline andpodcast script before the AI produced the

(22:16):
finished, voiced podcast.Thanks Dan or doI say, Dan's digital twin?
Incredible.
Three different AI tools -- and a humanin the loop -- to create this podcast
episode. Thanks Eric.
For more on the AI tech and workflows forcreating this podcast, go to
WGAN.INFO/DanSmigrod. Thank youfor listening to this episode of the

(22:42):
WGAN Forum Podcast.