Location based data representation through augmented reality in architectural design

Abstract

Architects conduct site visits prior to a design activity to understand existing conditions. If the architect’s position and orientation are known on site, and augmented reality system has access to a location based content database of the site, then augmented reality system can display the content in 3D directly upon the architect’s view. Generally, architects use augmented reality as a visualization tool for presentation. It is also possible to collect data of a site and represent it in situ for architectural design. This paper is a survey of location based data representation in augmented reality systems to use in early stages of architectural design related to site. Initially, it describes the field of augmented reality including the characteristics and requirements. Then it surveys the state of the art by reviewing featured applications of location based augmented reality technology. Developments to the recent conditions from the first implementations have been revealed with components. At the same time, this paper aims to find common links between these featured applications and architectural site survey. Thus, it discusses opportunities of augmented reality to provide the needs of an architect as a site visit. However, it suggests which augmented reality components are more suitable in recent conditions for use in architectural design related to site. As a survey paper, it focuses on how location based augmented reality can be used in architectural design instead of presenting a model or an application.