Precision GIS & AR mapping for underground telecom infrastructure

The problem

Mapping underground utilities without precise positioning creates costly mistakes.

1. No centimeter-level accuracy
2. AR markers misaligned with real-world coordinates
3. No offline capability in zero-signal zones
4. Surveying and locating handled in disconnected tools

The starting point

Before

• Standard GPS only, no RTK correction
• Two workflows with no integration
• Manual points recording
• No field-grade AR data collection

The challenge

Centimeter accuracy in harsh field conditions + seamless 3D scan across a kilometer with full offline capability.

The solution

One unified field mapping system.

AR asset mapping

• AR-based utility scanning with real-world coordinate alignment
• GNSS + RTK integration, centimeter-level accuracy
• Ticket management + AI data validation
• Point surveying with field-grade precision
• Offline-first with opportunistic sync

Key decisions

1. Rubbersheeting

AR works in screen space. Infrastructure exists in geographic space. We used rubbersheeting to align every AR marker with actual coordinates. Without this, centimeter accuracy is impossible.

2. LiDAR + RTK for scanning

Combined LiDAR point clouds with RTK-corrected GNSS and long-distance mesh stitching to produce a seamless georeferenced 3D model across the full trench length.

3. Offline-first architecture

App writes data offline first and syncs when coverage returns. Built for underground conditions where connectivity is zero by default.

Results

• Centimeter-level accuracy for underground asset mapping
• Seamless 3D model of the assets georeferenced and export-ready
• App covering the full field workflow
• Full offline capability
• Unified system replacing fragmented manual processes