Applications of augmented reality: Utility companies

The use of Augmented Reality (AR) in an unprepared environment is a considerable challenge in the field of virtual environments. Solutions require high accuracy data and precise positioning of the user and their relation to the hardware to ensure correct registration between reality and the data to be augmented. Research at the University of Nottingham has utilised the highest accuracy Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS positioning and digital compass; giving heading, pitch and roll information to position and orientate the user in relation to a 3d data model. Precise positioning and orientation ensure that the registration of the 3d model and the real world objects is accurate which then allows the visualisation of sub surface information related to features visible to the user. The system has been tested with an existing water network database held by Yorkshire Water. The background to the technology and the use of an AR system, results and conclusions of these field trials are presented in this paper.