Sustainable Digital Transformation in Geotechnical-Related Engineering Disciplines: An Integrated Framework for Türkiye

Abstract

This study proposes the Sustainability-Aligned Digital Integration Model for Geotechnical-Related Engineering Disciplines in Türkiye (SDIM–Geo–TR) as a roadmap for sustainable digital transformation. Built on a four-stage methodology—global technology mapping, national contextualization, criteria definition, and phased integration—the model synthesizes emerging technologies such as GIS, BIM, UAV, IoT and Digital Twin into a maturity framework. It illustrates how digital adoption in Türkiye has evolved from early GIS use to more integrated multi-technology ecosystems but remains hampered by interoperability gaps, skill shortages and cost constraints. SDIM–Geo–TR organizes this evolution into four maturity stages and assesses progress using sustainability impact, technical feasibility, data compatibility, cost effectiveness and adoption level. The findings highlight that achieving fully integrated digital geotechnical practice requires coordinated policy interventions, standardization efforts and capacity building. By aligning international best practices with Türkiye-specific drivers, the model offers a practical roadmap for guiding sustainable and digitally enabled geotechnical engineering.