Augmented reality (AR), which superimposes a computer-generated image on a real-world view, is now available for consumer mobile devices, making immersive and compelling viewing available to everyone. In response to the fast-moving development of this technology, tech companies are creating new workflows. As a prime example of this, global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks Inc. has added AR capabilities to its free Vectorworks Nomad mobile app, specifically a new viewing mode that is available on iOS devices that support Apple’s ARKit technology. While many third-party ARKit-based apps are available on the App Store, few exist for viewing CAD/BIM models. None allowed Vectorworks users to view their models in AR directly — until now.
Nomad already had a 3D model viewing mode that let the user orbit around a model or walk through a model. However, with this new viewing mode, users can view Vectorworks models at their actual size and in context with the real world to make design decisions before they are built. The AR viewing mode removes the barrier between the virtual model and the real world, helping users and clients to better understand the design at scale, as well as illustrate potential design problems and facilitate discussion about the design.