Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance Publishes Key Research

Using 3D mapping solutions effectively

Published: Monday, March 27, 2023 - 12:00

(Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance: Wakefield, MA) –The Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance (AREA) has published a new research report entitled 3D Mapping Solutions for Enterprise AR. The report reviews 3D mapping technologies and principles and defines parameters for choosing a 3D scanner for a specific use case.

3D models or point clouds can lower the cost, time, and developer training to view an object or environment with AR information such as instructions, warnings, or routes overlaid on the physical world. Despite its relatively young presence in the enterprise sector, AR technology has rapidly evolved into a powerful tool with broad versatility and a thriving community of experts.

AR technology is already being leveraged with 3D mapping data to provide strategic tools for site planning, instructional guidance, or real-time navigation. As AR technology advances, so will its capabilities to leverage 3D mapping data.

“3D mapping technology has become pervasive throughout various industries to capture objects and environments in a digital format such as point clouds or 3D models,” says Mark Sage, executive director of AREA. “It allows for rapid visualization, communication, and prototyping without the additional physical overhead. Our new report offers developers, business decision makers, and companies interested in AR, information about 3D mapping technology and techniques to eliminate resistance to augmented reality (AR) adoption.”

“This research helps to inform enterprise on how 3D mapping technologies can be utilized to capture accurate, cost-effective digital representations of real-world environments, how this data can be leveraged in augmented reality applications, and why these concepts can be useful in industrial environments,” says Samuel Neblett, senior AR/VR software developer and 3D modeler, Boeing Research & Technology.

The new AREA report provides steps companies can take to ensure accurate and successful capture of objects and environments. A supporting sample project demonstrates a real-world example that leverages 3D scan data for an AR-assisted use case.

“The AREA research project is very valuable for corporations looking to use AR technologies. It offers a good overview of available 3D mapping solutions (including our AR solutions), and outlines the advantages of each,” says Markus Meixner, CEO, ViewAR.

You can view an executive summary of the 3D Mapping Solutions for Enterprise AR as well as other AREA resources and enterprise guidance on AREA’s website.

About The Author

Quality Digest

For 40 years Quality Digest has been the go-to source for all things quality. Our newsletter, Quality Digest, shares expert commentary and relevant industry resources to assist our readers in their quest for continuous improvement. Our website includes every column and article from the newsletter since May 2009 as well as back issues of Quality Digest magazine to August 1995. We are committed to promoting a view wherein quality is not a niche, but an integral part of every phase of manufacturing and services.