Ecological Systems and Devices Annotation << Back The use of Digital Technologies to Characterize Natural Objects and Processes Lebedev A.S., Kholopov Yu.A. One of the key challenges in modern ecology is the precise analysis of natural objects and processes to minimize anthropogenic impact and ensure sustainable ecosystem management. However, traditional monitoring methods often fail to provide the necessary data accuracy. In this regard, the role of digital technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Digital Twins (DT), is increasing, as they enable the automation of data collection, processing, and environmental change forecasting. The article explores the primary digital tools used to characterize natural objects and processes, providing examples of their applications. Special attention is given to Digital Twins, which can not only reflect the current state of ecosystems but also model their future changes. Digital shadows, a cheap analogue of digital twins, are also mentioned. Keywords: environmental engineering, digital technologies, GIS, digital twin, environmental monitoring, forecasting. DOI: 10.25791/esip.7.2025.1532 Pp. 03-10.