Precision GIS & AR mapping for underground utility infrastructure

The problem

Mapping underground utilities without precise positioning creates costly mistakes.

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

The starting point

Before

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

The challenge

Centimeter accuracy in harsh field conditions + seamless 3D scan across 300 meters + full offline capability.

The solution

Two apps. One unified field mapping system.

01 — Locator: AR asset mapping

AR-based utility scanning with real-world coordinate alignment
Ticket management + AI data validation
Offline-first with opportunistic sync

02 — Surveyor: Precision reference point mapping

GNSS + RTK integration, centimeter-level accuracy
Reference 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 300m trench 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

Both apps write locally first and sync 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 a 300-meter trench — georeferenced and export-ready
Two production apps covering the full field workflow
Full offline capability
Unified system replacing fragmented manual processes