The union between GIS and “virtual” data allows users to visualize spatial data in the real world, which is enriched with information otherwise invisible. The GIS application we present as case study enables to view networks, assets and technical assets in Augmented Reality, while the contents are dynamically represented with tracking and positioning features.
On back-end side, it allows to manage and configure the integration with external GIS systems exposing geospatial data. Based on their geographical position, field users display on their device the data coming from a geodatabase (pipes, assets, buildings) in Augmented Reality by overlapping them to the observed reality, both online and offline. The system provides a user-friendly mechanism for loading the GIS layers just by pressing a button. The layers-related data are automatically included and no further activities are required.
Although all parameters to graphically represent the assets come from a GIS service (e.g. Esri Feature Service), which exposes data regarding size, color, layer compared to the ground level, etc., they can be customized through the application: for example, users can include 3D models in the application representing the layers as real assets, instead of points.
The GIS application runs both on handheld devices and on smartglasses. Other wearable devices, such as smartwatches, can also be used to increase the accuracy of the user’s position and give a more precise representation. Moreover, such integration becomes essential when monitoring field technicians’ safety: through advanced sensors on smartwatches and smartphones, the operators’ vital signs are measured in order to efficiently and promptly manage emergency situations.
