Where is the line? Augmented perception of utilities with AR and GNSS

Author: Renata Barradas Gutiérrez

有效地分配电力和自然的gas through a network of 10,794.6 kilometres of overhead lines and underground cables and more than 2,000 kilometres of natural gas pipeline systems is a colossal endeavour.Vorarlberger Energienetze GmbH(vorarlberg netz), is the electricity and natural gas network grid operator maintaining this network with a high level of supply reliability and excellent service quality in Vorarlberg, the westernmost state of Austria.

除了网络的扩展外，公司面临的一些挑战是地形，三分之二的土地区域位于山区，无法可视化线路，因为94％的电缆在地下。

“Knowing the position of these lines plays an important role in ensuring an uninterruptible supply. What sounds simple in theory often leads to challenges in practice. After completion of construction, power cables and pipelines aren’t visible on the surface. And after some time, even the most experienced employees can no longer answer the question of ‘where is the line?’”explains Sebastian Drexel, GIS administrator and developer at vorarlberg netz. “This is one of the main reasons why each line is surveyed and centrally saved within the company’s GI-system. So far, restoring lines in nature has been a time-consuming task performed by specially-trained staff.”

Visualising utilities with survey-grade accuracy in 3D

To make the task of restoring lines easier, vorarlberg netz is using state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) and GNSS. AR technology superimposes digital information on an environment providing actionable information to solve problems or a specific task. Combined with GNSS, users can visualise and position utilities with survey-grade accuracy.

数字化可视化3D中的地理参考实用程序使Vorarlberg Netz现场工作人员可以直观地实时体验地下供应基础架构，并通过智能设备增强自然环境。“我们本身rvice technicians are enthusiastic about the simple and intuitive visualisation that is possible through Augmented Reality,” says Drexel.

vorarlberg netz used theLeica GG04 plus smart antennain combination withVGIS公用事业, a utility-grade AR system for ESRI ArcGIS designed for municipalities and public utility companies. The GG04 plus smart antenna collects high-accuracy geospatial data in real time, even in the most demanding locations without the need for a mobile data connection. The antenna also pairs with all existingLeica Zenohandhelds and a wide range of Android, iOS or Windows® smart devices.

To precisely position utilities, the team uses the GG04 plus withHxGN SmartNet，世界上最大的参考网络，用于开放标准校正服务。VGIS和GG04加上智能天线之间的集成使NMEA元数据和调查级访问，几厘米定位。Vorarlberg Netz团队快速，轻松地配置了GG04 Plus GNSS智能天线，可在智能手机，平板电脑或Microsoft Hololens上与VGI一起使用。

“We opted for the Leica GG04 plus antenna, as it is relatively low-priced, small, handy and can be coupled with mobile devices. The last of these points is crucial since the AR software runs on an Android or iOS tablet or smartphone,”explains Drexel. “The combination of vGIS and GG04 plus is recommended due to the simple setup, the connection to the mobile device, reliability and the high accuracy of the products compared to the competition.”

AR和Georected实用程序的应用和利益

VGIS, paired up with GNSS, allows users to ‘see’ GIS utilities in real time through the ground. This improves situational awareness, helps to locate utilities faster, with fewer errors, and in a safe manner. vorarlberg netz is currently using AR at a pilot stage to develop the know-how, search, validate, and introduce practical applications. Currently, the company is benefiting most from four different applications:

1. Inspection of supply routes for constructions or plant coverings and location of faults along lines.
2. Restoration of lines in nature before construction activities.
3. Location of resources that are not easily visible, e.g. shut-off devices covered by gravel or snow.
4. 对外部公司的协调和澄清。

vorarlberg netz is also looking to integrate the visualisation of georeferenced utilities in combination with 3D models. The electricity and natural gas network grid operator uses a terrestrial laser scanning unit from Leica Geosystems to capture point cloud data of existing infrastructure which can further be converted to BIM models. This information is going to be the basis for the facility management, responsible for the maintenance of e.g. buildings or transformer stations.

“The use of modern BIM technologies in our company requires, in addition to the planning of new objects, the collection of inventory data using a laser scanner. In combination with 3D GIS data, this opens up new possibilities in the area of facility management and the visualisation of the digital twin with Augmented Reality,”says Andreas Mätzler, head of geoinformatics at vorarlberg netz.

Benefits of AR with GNSS for utilities include:

• Visualise GIS data in 3D on the fly to locate and find underground utilities.
• Spot faster and fix on the ground GIS data location issues, reducing collection costs.
• Improve route control for overcrowding, fouling and location of faults along cable routes.
• Simplify stakeout of cables by surveyors.
• 搜索和找到不容易看到的资源和地下基础设施，例如覆盖的碎石或雪。
• Improve site coordination and clarification of grave work.

提供多种服务来运输能源和天然气

尽管母公司Vorarlberg Netz从传输网络的进料点运输了电能和天然气illwerke vkw AGalso performs general technical surveys, seabed surveys and engineering geodesy for tunnel advancing. For these endeavours, the company also uses Leica Geosystems solutions, including:

• Tachymeters
• GNSS receivers
• Levelling instruments
• Laser scanners

“We use Leica Geosystems products for surveying electric and gas lines as well as part of GIS services for external customers,”explains Marco Ess, head of grid- and geoinformation at vorarlberg netz.