Augmented Reality in Subsurface Utility Mapping

We live in a world where the skill required to interpret maps and engineering drawings is decreasing while the density of underground networks is increasing. The result is increased collateral damage, network outages and poor health & safety outcomes for our field workers.

Today, we need better ways to accurately capture and comprehend the location and nature of those networks that are out of site under our feet. AR (Augmented Reality) offers a new capability, reducing the mental gymnastics required to interpret the lines on paper that represent the pipes, cables and subsurface structures.  With AR we can display utility assets in their correct location, with correct dimensions, safety clearances and other characteristics, highlighting the dangers.

This presentation describes the terms AR & MR, and how the technology may be applied to subsurface utility mapping, and the benefits that may be derived, In particular the following aspects are considered: 

Asset data capture

Visualisation of SUE QL code & spatial accuracy estimates of captured geometry 

Visualisation of assets

Visualisation of static characteristics  (eg. spatial accuracy) and 

Visualisation of dynamic characteristics (eg. IoT/SCADA)  of assets.

The migration of AR technology from phones/tablets to AR Glasses has been slow, complex and expensive.  We explore the range of technologies required to support AR Glasses and the current state of development.  This includes aspects of data management (federated database concepts, IoT & SCADA) and the optics, sensors and algorithms required to get the virtual features to align with reality.

We conclude by providing real examples of usage.