Infrastructure Information Modeling and Augmented Reality

Abstract

Managing and sustaining urban centers has become more and more challenging due to increase in population and a high urbanization rate. The problems surfacing due to this global trend are complex. The current situation requires a scale or a yard stick against which present and future growth can be monitored and future decision making process can be aided. This can be achieved with the formulation of an interactive framework where all the individual elements of the city are interrelated and their impact on one another can be studied. “Smart cities” concept where computing technologies are used to interrelate critical infrastructure and services for better efficiency and management is the solution to the intricate problem of rapid city growth. This research project aims to create an environment where such a concept can be practically put to use. Using the well-established and now well-known Building Information Modelling (BIM) technique a 3 dimensional (3D) city model was developed. The 3D city model incorporates and animates features of the city in a virtual environment including terrain, roads, railways, water bodies, and buildings, underground and over ground features. Of the various processes that can be used to create a 3D city model this research project focused on processing archived digital as built maps of the city into a 3D model. This was done using GIS tools for digitizing maps, extracting shapefiles and converting features. The final and refined geospatial data of the city was then brought into a BIM software. Information was loaded onto the model while developing it in 3D. The model not only provides visualization but also geospatial and engineering analysis for the entire extent. The model also utilizes the ability of cloud computing. It can be accessed from different devices and by different users who can according to their access privileges assigned by the administrator can update the model. The model is also linked to wireless devices with the advanced feature of augmented reality (AR). AR blends the real and synthetic environment by reinforcing the connection between different objects and also between objects and people. With the immense effort undertaken in developing a 3D city model, AR is what gives the virtual system a real life background. This feature can be used for maintenance, utility management, clash detection and better identification of hazards. The study talks about 3D city modelling, integrating the system with BIM and AR and how this integration can lead to “smart cities” of the future.