Augmented Reality in Civil Engineering

Augmented reality combines virtual elements with the real world. It creates a world where virtual reality interacts with actual reality, allowing you to see what you want to be as well as what is.

When applied to Civil Engineering, augmented reality allows you to see what a completed project would look like on its intended site before diffing a single foundation. How does this differ from 3D computer modelling, and why is it important?

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Difference Between 3D Modelling and Augmented Reality

3D modelling, either using actual physical models or computer-generated models, has been the mainstay of basic Civil Engineering for many years. Modelling allows you to show interested parties what a finished object, building, or other projects will look like. It can include topographical features, points of interest close to the proposed build and some internal features depending on the model builder's skill.

Computer 3D modelling allows for a greater detail level and often includes internal works, water and gas pipes etc. Computer modelling can create 3D layers of a building or other Civil Engineering projects that can be overlayed or removed to show various stages of the process.

Augmented reality takes this one step further and allows you to see the Civil Engineering and architecture project on the intended site at various stages. It enables you to simulate how the work itself will affect the local area and foresee any problems with the project at its different stages through to completion.