Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays 3D digital content seamlessly onto the real world, using specialized hardware and software.  AR holds merit in the world of construction technology, especially when it comes to educational, architectural, and field engineering processes for both students and professionals alike. Augmented reality consists of a live, imitative version of the real world – with the capacity to add certain elements to the simulated landscape. Digiconsult Under the Anglo African Telecommunications practice ensures technology not only meets the requirements of its users but that it is implemented and managed to realise the promised benefits.

Augmented Reality in the construction space

Augmented Reality works by overlaying stunning virtual data and imagery onto an existing physical space or object. A very basic example lies in professional football. If you ever caught a game on TV and viewed the enhance lines on the field marking the downs, then you have experienced AR. If you take the idea of overlaying graphics on a physical space, and apply them to a construction site, imagine creating an AR experience that renders a completed building (or step-by-step phases of construction) on any screen pointed towards the work zone. The construction industry is already catching on to the uses of AR during the building process.

The construction and architecture industries (among others) could benefit from using AR while designing, presenting or executing a project.

1. Having a real-time visualization of the finished product leads to better team collaboration & communication during the phases of construction.
2. Crews will see increased safety benefits for workers by having visuals for each phase of construction in-hand (or think Google Glass), and not having to look away from the work zone while studying blueprints.
3. Projects with AR visuals are more likely to be completed on-time and within budget because they’re backed by a proven model.

Benefits Of Augmented Reality Technology To The Construction Sector

Augmented reality is not the same as virtual reality. While virtual reality (VR) replaces the real world by creating a simulated environment, augmented reality (AR) can create exact replicas of the real world while also enhancing it. In the construction industry, AR can benefit architects, designing teams, project managers, engineers and owners too. It can allow anyone to walk through the proposed building plan, compare it with the plan and propose changes.
There are many different ways that augmented reality can help builders and owners.

• Easy Plan Modification: Augmented reality allows architecture models to be displayed in a way that you can easily modify the 3D plans with just a few taps. Your building interiors can be changed before construction while keeping the exterior design intact. You can move or remove walls in the design with just a few taps. AR can allow clients to create custom residential and commercial buildings to the tiniest detail.
• Increased Savings:Another benefit of using AR for architectural designing is that it helps save both time and money. Creating architecture plans can be both time intensive and expensive. Augmented reality provides a cost-efficient way to replace your plans with 3D models across all aspects of planning.
• Ability to Visualize Plans: You can visualize the architectural plans with an immersive experience. Replace 2D blueprints for the structure with augmented models and get a more useful and effective way to view the project’s designs.
• More Effective Collaboration: AR helps you to communicate the creativity and ideas in the form of the design. Designing teams and architects have always been looking for creative ways to present their ideas or turn their clients’ ideas into models. Augmented reality is one of the most perfect things to happen to the construction industry as it allows it to effectively showcase to clients what the designers want to portray. The resultant interactive graphic user interface allows both the designers and clients to communicate and collaborate effectively to achieve the desired goals.