Patent attributes
Embodiments of the invention include a method, a system, and a mobile device that incorporate augmented reality technology into land surveying, 3D laser scanning, and digital modeling processes. By incorporating the augmented reality technology, the mobile device can display an augmented reality image comprising a real view of a physical structure in the real environment and a 3D digital model of an unbuilt design element overlaid on top of the physical structure at its intended tie-in location. In an embodiment, a marker can be placed at predetermined set of coordinates at or around the tie-in location, determined by surveying equipment, on that the 3D digital model of the unbuilt design element can be visualized in a geometrically correct orientation with respect to the physical structure. Embodiments of the present invention can also be applied to a scaled down 3D printed object representing the physical structure if visiting the project site is not possible.