AR Innovation

Challenge

DNRME's project team needed a reliable partner to deliver a solution to prove AR innovation that can provide context and clarity to GIS data

Key issues included:

• DRNME's internal systems excelled in delivering precise data to desktop and web applications. However, they sought to extend this functionality to allow stakeholders to access geographic information system (GIS) data on consumer mobile devices, necessitating an engaging digital experience.
• Achieving alignment between real-world buildings and digital assets posed a significant hurdle, requiring seamless integration to enhance user experience.
• Inaccuracies in compass and GPS functions across many devices presented a major obstacle, compelling users to manually align augmented reality (AR) overlays over building renderings captured by their device's camera.
• Urban density and varying distances between users and buildings further exacerbated the inaccuracies in GPS-based renderings, impeding the delivery of precise spatial data to users.

Solution

QOverlay - virtual and augmented reality solution

DNRME worked closely with Telstra Purple to develop a proof of concept for a virtual and augmented reality called QOverlay, a platform that allows users to point the camera of their mobile devices at specified locations and get visualisations right on their screen. The solution provides 3D overlays of the Northpoint Tower building with relevant information, such as recent sale prices and internal building structure, and offers a virtual preview of the Queen’s Wharf development.

Users can view the main layout of each floor of the Northpoint Tower, as well as tenant information for rooms, available cadastral information (ownership and tax details) for the specific floor plan, including last sale price, known land size, and categorisation. A heat map also provides a visualisation of the property’s last sale prices.

The preview rendering of Queen's Wharf allows users to see the development as if it was already completed, integrated seamlessly with the surrounding buildings, including reflections and obstructions of other buildings, despite it being a virtual model.

Approach

Aligning digital assets to the real world

As part of the process Telstra Purple:

• Discovered limitations in GPS and compass accuracies for alignment and developed a novel approach to aligning the digital models with the real world, allowing accurate positioning of the 3D model representations.
• Developed a 3D plan overlay of the Northpoint Tower, which users can access simply by pointing the camera of their devices at the building. 
• Created a preview rendering of Queen’s Wharf, which allows users to stand at one of the many vantage points around South Bank and Brisbane CBD and see the area on their screens as though it were already completed.

Impact

Innovating how we build cities of the future

Stakeholders can now provide unique input on the long-term solution roadmap of how AR and 3D modelling can help Queensland’s industries, government, and constituents to use natural resources more sustainably as cities like Brisbane develop.

QOverlay allows users to point their device at a subject building, call up the overlay graphic, and source the GIS data they want, be it property sale prices or other building information. Data can be accessed from the GIS system in real-time, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.

In partnership with Telstra Purple, was able to bring to life an idea that can change how industries, governments, and communities can build the cities of the future.  QOverlay had removed barriers to data access and subsequent bottlenecks to data gateways — all with a mobile phone or tablet.