Augmented Reality and GIS: The geospatial tech twins

Humans have been consistent in the progressive search for a platform, scenario and technologies to make reasonable and rational comparisons of the real world in a virtual environment. Through this search, several technologies have been deployed with specific strengths. However, combining with the actual location in space has been uphill until the advent of GIS.

In recent years, GIS has received an increased level of acceptance across various industries. Notably, since location intelligence and location data has become grossly important to several big names in the industry, GIS technology has proven efficient in adding the required location touch to the needed data. However, with GIS, the issues of contextualization still lingered. Although maps give insights to all types of location data, users are still required to find their interest-data within the map. However, with the integration of augmented reality, you can seamlessly locate a pipe that runs several feet below the ground through a device application. AR gives life to maps. While augmented reality (AR) has been around in the tech scenes for decades, it may be the next big thing in GIS.

What is Augmented reality?

According to Wikipedia, “Augmented reality (AR) can be defined as a system that fulfills three basic features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects.”

AR takes a live view of a real-world location and adds contextual information. It involves a smartphone or a tablet that has a screen, camera, GPS and an accelerometer that detects camera motion and orientation. The real world “background” is comprised of data, including location, of real-world objects or visible objects. Notably, if you own a smart device, you probably have an app that uses augmented reality (AR).

How integrated AR and GIS systems are revolutionizing industries

Knowing where data is in the real-world environment revolves around precise location data. Using GPS and AR sensors, we are able to directly translate real-world positions into virtual environment that can be visualized anywhere.

Emergency Response

During fire hazards, imagine the risk involved in walking through a smoky environment with very low visibility. AR systems can be implemented into helmets and mask, helping firefighters to navigate better through the location.

Also, in cases of emergency occurrences like earthquakes, flood, and buildings collapse; integrated GIS and AR systems allow decision-makers to picture the accurate locations of specific buildings to initiate rescue. In scenarios where prior structures have been moved or covered by floods, augmented reality systems through their location intelligence allow searchers to locate the various sections of the building; thus, easing the process of survivor evacuation.

Knowledge transfer

The environment is constantly being shaped by human activities, and changes in the environment are inevitable. For an environmental worker that is conversant with a locality, it is easy to locate utility checkpoints. But what happens if a new environmental worker is employed?

How about a new homeowner that wants to fix a leakage, and has been finding it hard to locate the source pipe.

AR and GIS systems make it easy to obtain a full picture of your house and environment at your convenience through a mobile device. Augmented reality and GIS systems give everyone a uniform basis of knowledge through a real representation of the environment.

Real Estate

Pictures do not tell the full story. Humans consistently desire a real-world representation. Through integrated AR and GIS systems, prospective buyers or renters can obtain an exact view of their choice house, toggle between the available rooms and then make informed decisions. Combined Augmented and GIS system will revolutionize the operations of house hunting and present real estate firms the chance to market their houses without stress.

Integrating the technologies

AR and GIS can simply be described as the geospatial tech twins, as they both complement each other to great effect.

As data and technology improve, GIS and AR will become even more pivotal to how people work and take environmental decisions. Today, the geospatial tech twins have made communication and monitoring simpler. Additionally, with the mobile path GIS is exploring, mobile users are now becoming even more environmental conscious, leading to a high collection of data. Hence, it is time for technologies like AR that use massive location data.