Building information model visualisation in augmented reality

Purpose

The possibility of integrating building information in an augmented reality (AR) environment provides an effective solution to all phases of a building's lifecycle. This paper explores the integration of building information modelling (BIM) and AR to effectively visualise building information models in an AR environment and evaluates the currently available AR tools.

Design/methodology/approach

A BIM model of a selected office room was created and superimposed to the actual physical space using two different AR devices and four different AR applications. The superimposing techniques, accuracy and the level of information that can be visualised were then investigated by performing a walk-through analysis.

Findings

From the investigation, it can be concluded that model positioning can be inaccurate depending on the superimposing method used and the AR device. Moreover, using the currently available techniques, only static building information can be superimposed and visualised in AR, showing a need to integrate data from Internet of Things (IoT) sensors into the current BIM-AR processes to allow visualisation of accurate and high-quality operational building information.

Originality/value

A practical process and method for visualising and superimposing BIM models in an AR environment have been described. Recommendations to improve superimposing accuracy are provided. The assessment of type, quality and level of detail that can be visualised indicates the areas that need improvement to increase the effectiveness of building information's visualisation in AR.