Superimposing Building Information Models in Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) can enhance Building Information Modelling (BIM) by allowing architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals to visualise and refine building models. The possibility of integrating BIM model in AR environment provides an effective solution to all phases of a building’s lifecycle. To visualise digital information in the actual physical environment, BIM models are superimposed to the structure. The techniques used to superimpose the BIM models are either based on reference markers or QR codes, which are occasionally inaccurate. This paper reviews and analyses the BIM model superimposing techniques in AR. To describe and discuss different methods, a BIM model of an office room was generated in Revit and superimposed to the actual physical space using two different AR devices and four different AR applications. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that presented superimposing methods allow for overlaying of digital information, but model positioning can be slightly inaccurate depending on the superimposing method used and AR device. Any inaccuracy while positioning the BIM model reference markers or QR code can lead to inaccurate superimposing of the model. The recommended process and method for superimposing BIM in AR environment is documented.