FAQ
What is augmented reality?
Augmented Reality (AR) is the ability to superimpose computer generated content over a live view of the world. On tablets and phones, virtual content is displayed over the live camera / video function.
What problem do we solve?
The problem experienced by customers in the construction and infrastructure industries is a lack of a centralised, online, mobile and real-time system to track the location of underground utilities at the construction site. Plans are often also quite inaccurate so Utillix AR enables workers to draw the correct location of old utility infrastructure and new utility infrastructure in real time as they are onsite.
Utillix AR aims to provide a greater level of productivity through project and workflow management, secure centralisation of organisational documentation.
How it works?
Benefits
Safety
Reduces the risk to workers and utilities by enabling visibility and risk management control.
Realtime
Provides real-time mobile augmented and digital maps and documentation, online and offline.
Regulatory Compliance
Comply with tightening health and safety laws.
Augmented Reality
Provides accurate, easy to view augmented location of services. Accurate survey information can be uploaded and viewed within the workforce for current or future projects.
Multi Data Services
Displays ‘published’ data from multiple sources; CAD / BIM, GIS, Utilities (DBYD), local councils.
Offline Capability
Available online and offline-so data is always available.
Confidentiality
Enables permitted access only to confidential information.
Centralised Information
Enables businesses to easily digitise and manage their documents in a central and secure location.
Utility Strikes
Delivers better utility strike prevention.
Sharing
Easy sharing via mobile devices of information via photos, images, pindrop info and documentation.
Reduced Costs
Increases operational cost savings with reduced risk to utility stikes and streamlined workflows. Safely share information between change of shifts or crew members.
Documentation
Access to project documentation and maps.
Data Quality
Elimination of transcription errors and positional accuracy. Direct field to database update with no back-office transcription.
Increases operational cost savings with reduced risk to utility stikes and streamlined workflows. Safely share information between change of shifts or crew members.
Device Requirements
Currently Utillix AR recommends the following device combination:
- Latest Android or Apple phone or tablet, and
- A Trimble Catalyst DA1 antenna.
While 30cm is sufficient for utilities, planning and visual impact analysis, Utillix AR will provide accuracy down to 1cm.
Please note, the device technology industry constantly evolves. The recommended device this year, may change to reflect the devices available to the market. Talk to one of our consultants to learn more.
What utilities does Utillix AR map?
How do I sign up?
Utillix is an Enterprise solution. When your company starts a new project, you specify the location and Utillix obtains the most up-to-date information from utility map providers. Your organization can also send us files to upload for you. You register your users, who then have access to the maps onsite via the Utillix app.
What information do I need to provide?
Utillix accepts maps in GIS format for conversion. Check with us for locations that have already been mapped where accurate and up-to-date information is currently available. If you need to access Dial Before You Dig maps in Australia, Utillix arranges this and provides you with access to an electronic colour coded version.
Set up and configuration
Configuring Utillix AR is normally straight forward and new customers can be up and running within a few days. There are two onboarding options available to ensure your team is set up for success.
Option 1
Utillix AR can provide consultancy services to establish the metadata describing project, data sources, initial models and more configured within the Utillix AR registration server. Following a successful trial, customers or partners manage their own configuration of the registration server. Once your team has completed the Utillix AR administration training.
Option 2
To integrate Utillix AR with a new data source (GIS web server), please follow the four step process outlined below:
1.Configure the data source definition (essentially the URL and some other metadata) and project definition in the Utillix AR registration server via the simple web interface.
2. Personalise your augmented reality mode by identifying styles for key objects. A GUI interface is used that generates the required XML file definition;
3. Create, modify, format and upload any 3D models of pieces of equipment including, but not limited to, switchgear switchgear, transformers, pits, chambers, poles, insulators, and more. These assets can now be viewed in the augmented reality mode in the Utillix AR app.
4. Configure user credentials, and register your table and smartphone devices.
Got a question or would like a demonstration? Please contact support.