Trimble has been investing its efforts into the development and testing of an ultra-modern augmented reality (AR) system. The company has recently started exhibiting live demos of its development at various conventions, including the recently concluded Esri User Conference in July 2019. The product, called Trimble SiteVision, offers an amalgamation of 3D vision and geospatial referencing, for adding component details to building models.
AR and mixed reality (MR) technology is now being used to traverse the gulf between a site blueprint and the real world. Trimble is addressing this gap with the use of high-precision positioning technology, effectively creating a much better system for on-site geospatial data visualisation. Two technology types being utilised by Trimble SiteVision for this development are – Google ARCore and the Trimble Catalyst soft GNSS receiver.
Stephanie Michaud, Strategic Marketing Manager – Geospatial Field Solutions, Trimble, expressed that the combination of these technologies is quite robust for turning a design into reality.
Michaud spoke further regarding the development, highlighting the joint contributions of Google ARCore and its high-fidelity Catalyst antenna. According to her, harnessing the power of these two technology forms has helped the company develop a product capable of high-accuracy visualisation and real-time, on-field collaboration for perfecting model designs.
SiteVision enables its clients and users to observe the latest designs, delve into hidden underground areas, and get clarity regarding probable changes to the land area over time. All of these can be done through an integrated system, without having to pill out various maps and drawings. SiteVision enables the life-scale representation of information, in relation to the surrounding areas. Michaud acknowledged that this particular aspect can raise efficiency, in relation to the currently existing model and paper-based systems.
Whilst field measurements can be taken with high-precision tools, the ways to link them into the model and paper are inadequate. – Stephanie Michaud
An architect or designer would work with a three-dimensional tool such as AutoCAD or a BIM design platform to use SiteVision during a project. Then the project has to be exported into Trimble Connect. It can be shared instantly with users who require access, including construction site crews and utility surveyor.
Loading up SiteVision enables users to download the model of a plan on their device, which is then automatically assigned its location based on the GNSS embedded coordinates. In case GNSS is unavailable, a model can be placed manually usually a ‘measure-to’ system. After a model is placed, users can explore, inspect and modify it. Any design discrepancies can be captured both digitally and in real-life, as the device takes measurements and photographs. Design office professionals can fetch the obtained information and start making corrections, communicate more effectively, and not have to travel.
The Android UI has been utilised for SiteVision to ensure its compatibility with currently available geospatial tools and systems. The infrastructure is geared towards being a low-cost option for those who are starting out.
Michaud described the product as an Android communications device becoming a high-precision visualisation system, equipped with an antenna and a bracket.
