A Must-See for Site Managers! How AR for Civil Engineering Is Changing Construction Management and Progress Tracking

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Construction DX and the Trend of "AR Civil Engineering"

• Streamline process management through real-time visualization of construction progress

• Efficiency in surveying and measurement tasks: AR applications usable by a single person

• Reduction of mistakes and rework through design data verification

• Smoother information sharing and consensus building

• AR use cases in civil engineering sites

• Key points for AR technology implementation (high-precision and preparation)

• Summary: How AR transforms site management and a recommendation for LRTK simplified surveying

• FAQ

Introduction: Construction DX and the Trend of "AR Civil Engineering"

In recent years, the construction industry has been swept by a wave of digital transformation (DX), and AR (the use of augmented reality in the civil engineering field, the so-called "AR civil engineering") has been attracting attention even in on-site construction management. For site managers, including site supervisors, checking construction progress, quality control, and explaining matters to stakeholders are daily critical tasks, but AR is coming into the spotlight as a technology that can transform work that has relied on drawings, photos, and experience until now.

By simply pointing a smartphone or tablet camera, you can display a three-dimensional design model and construction information overlaid on the actual construction site — with the advent of such AR technology, understanding site conditions, verifying as-built work, and the “visualization” of progress are becoming dramatically easier. This brings multifaceted benefits, including improved construction management efficiency and reduced human error, as well as smoother communication with clients and nearby residents.

From major general contractors to small and medium-sized construction and civil engineering firms, survey technicians, and infrastructure maintenance personnel, expectations are rising for the use of AR as a new tool supporting construction DX. In this article, we explain from the perspective of a site manager how AR technology will change construction management and progress verification in civil engineering works, detailing specific benefits, use cases, and key points for implementation. If you are interested in improving productivity in site management and reducing errors, please refer to this article.

Streamline schedule management by real-time visualization of construction progress

One of the biggest benefits of using AR on construction sites is that it allows you to visualize construction progress in real time. Traditionally, checking the progress of each stage required site supervisors or foremen to assess conditions by visual inspection or photographs and to make judgments by comparing them with 2D drawings. However, with AR, you can overlay the current site view seen through a tablet or smartphone with 3D models of the finished state and planned schedule information, enabling you to intuitively grasp how far the work has progressed.

For example, if you display the planned finished model in AR on a structure under construction on site, you can grasp work progress (as-built) at a glance and instantly confirm differences from the plan. This allows you to make timely judgments such as "which parts are falling behind schedule" and "which tasks are likely to become bottlenecks." Because you can promptly respond as needed—by revising the schedule, bringing forward subsequent tasks, or adjusting personnel arrangements—reductions in unnecessary waiting time and shortening of the construction period through improved setup and coordination can be expected.

Also, sharing progress in real time on site makes it easier for the entire construction team to align their understanding. If daily progress is displayed and shared on AR, all stakeholders can visually understand the same up-to-date status, reducing information loss in communication, which helps to keep the overall project moving smoothly. Visualizing progress is, in turn, an important element that leads to prevention of overall construction delays and cost overruns.

Streamlining Surveying and Measurement Tasks: AR for Solo Use

Progress checks and as-built control on construction sites involve measuring quantities and dimensions. Surveying and measurement tasks, which were traditionally carried out over long periods by surveyors or teams of several people, can be dramatically streamlined by combining AR technology with mobile devices. For example, recently AR apps that can measure earth volumes and terrain using only a smartphone have appeared, and on-site it is now possible to automatically calculate fill volumes and similar quantities simply by specifying the area to be measured on the device's screen.

A major construction company developed a volume-measurement app that uses the AR features of iPhone/iPad, enabling a single person to measure the volume of embankments without dedicated equipment or special preparation. As a result, they reported success in reducing surveying time by over 90% compared with conventional methods. Automatic measurement using AR achieves high accuracy, with errors contained to only a few percent, making it sufficiently practical for routine progress management and quantity verification.

In this way, by leveraging AR + digital technologies, the kind of measurement tasks that were traditionally entrusted to veteran surveyors can increasingly be carried out easily by on-site personnel themselves. Reducing the time spent waiting for surveys not only shortens the overall construction schedule, but also allows progress data to be shared instantly with stakeholders, making subsequent coordination faster. For on-site managers, the fact that measurements for tracking progress no longer become a bottleneck and the necessary data can be obtained immediately when needed is a significant advantage.

Reducing Errors and Rework by Verifying Design Data

Where AR demonstrates its strength in the quality aspect of construction management is that it can verify design data against the actual construction situation on the spot. Checking by comparing paper drawings and completion renderings tended to lead to human errors and oversights, but with AR, if you overlay a 3D model that matches the design onto the real-world space, you can immediately detect positional misalignments and dimensional discrepancies.

For example, during rebar placement work, you can display the design rebar layout in AR on a tablet screen at the worksite and check on the spot whether the actual number and spacing of the rebars installed match the instructions. 型枠や配管の位置なども、後からコンクリートで埋めてしまう前にARで確認しておけば、「埋設後に位置が違っていた」といった重大な手戻りを防げます。実際、施工中に常に設計モデルを重ね合わせて監督したことで、 ミリ単位のズレを早期に修正し、後工程での手戻り工事や材料ロスを削減できた という報告もあります。

Thus, on-site inspection and immediate correction using AR directly contribute to on-site quality assurance and productivity improvement. Because defects that were previously discovered only during post-completion inspections can be eliminated in advance during construction, this ultimately helps shorten construction schedules and reduce costs. For site managers as well, if the dimensional deviations and construction errors that used to cause headaches during quality inspections are drastically reduced, their confidence in delivering projects on schedule will increase.

Facilitating Information Sharing and Consensus Building

Construction projects involve many stakeholders, so it is important to prevent discrepancies in information sharing between the field and the office, and between clients and contractors. AR also has a powerful effect on this aspect of communication. Because it can display the finished image over the real scene through tablets and smartphones, even people without technical knowledge can more easily understand the situation visually, and parts that are "hard to understand from drawings" or "difficult to explain in words" can be shared intuitively.

For example, when explaining to clients or nearby residents, by displaying a model of the planned structure on-site in AR, it becomes possible to convey the intent of the plan and the post-completion image at a glance. Things that were difficult to imagine from text or drawings become easier to understand and accept when a full-scale view of the finished structure can be seen on the spot. There are also examples where this has shortened the time required to build consensus at community meetings.

Also, AR is useful for sharing information with remote locations. In large-scale projects it is not uncommon for stakeholders to be scattered across the country, but if you share the situation in an online meeting via AR equipment installed on site, it becomes possible to conduct on-site reviews without traveling. In fact, use cases have emerged where a site's 3D model is shared via the cloud and remote designers give instructions while checking the site through AR. This reduces travel time and costs while enabling appropriate communication and decision-making.

Furthermore, by displaying construction procedures and precautions in AR and thus visualizing veteran know-how, less-experienced junior workers are less likely to make mistakes in the procedures. AR is also effective in on-site education, such as bridging the image gap between skilled workers and newcomers and sharing safety instructions. Highlighting hazardous areas in AR and displaying safety checklists in the field of view can also help prevent human error and improve safety awareness.

In this way, AR functions as a common-understanding platform for all on-site stakeholders, helping reduce communication loss and supporting smoother consensus-building. For site managers as well, the effort spent on explanations and coordination will be reduced, making project management considerably easier.

Examples of AR Use in Civil Engineering Sites

The effectiveness of AR in construction management is not just theoretical; demonstrations and implementation cases at actual sites have already begun to increase. Here, we present several representative examples of AR applications reported in Japan's civil engineering and construction sectors.

• Large-scale infrastructure construction example of high-precision AR use (Miyagi Prefecture intersection improvement project) In a road construction project in the Tohoku region, Microsoft AR glasses (HoloLens 2) were combined with an automatic-tracking total station (surveying instrument) to project 3D design models onto the site. Over a construction area of approximately 220 m (721.8 ft), they achieved high-precision overlay displays kept within an error of about 5 mm (0.20 in), enabling on-site verification of pavement and gutter as-built conditions. By using a full-scale finished model, not only did construction accuracy improve, but explanations of the completed image to local residents became more intuitive and easier to understand, which also shortened the time for discussions regarding design changes.

As these examples show, AR has already begun to produce tangible results in on-site practical work, and further expansion of its use is expected going forward. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is also promoting the introduction of AR and other digital technologies for site supervision and inspections as part of BIM/CIM utilization, and industry-wide efforts toward "AR civil engineering" are likely to accelerate.

Key Points for Introducing AR Technology (Enhancing Accuracy and Preparation)

When introducing AR on-site, there are several key points and challenges to be aware of. To maximize its effectiveness, consider the following.

1. Ensuring high-precision alignment: To accurately overlay design models in AR, you need to know the device's position and orientation with high precision. The built-in GPS in ordinary smartphones can have errors on the order of several meters (several ft), so it is inadequate for precise alignment on large civil engineering sites. What you want to use here are high-precision GNSS (GPS) or RTK positioning, or methods such as integration with total stations or placing markers. Recently, with the emergence of small high-precision GPS receivers that attach to smartphones, centimeter-level positioning (half-inch accuracy) has become easily achievable. For example, using a device like LRTK, you can attach it to an iPhone to receive real-time positioning correction information and capture your current position with a horizontal accuracy of about 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in). With high-precision position information, you can minimize AR overlay misalignment even on large outdoor sites and use it with confidence.

2. Preparation of 3D design data (BIM/CIM): For AR use, 3D models and design data for overlaying displays are indispensable. Recently, CIM (Construction Information Modeling) has been promoted even in the infrastructure sector, and the number of cases creating three-dimensional design models has increased. If BIM/CIM data is available, AR integration is smooth, but even if it is not, it is possible to obtain point cloud models by photogrammetry or 3D scanners and use them as substitutes. The important thing is to digitize the information you want to share on site. Even if you only have drawings, creating simple 3D models of the main structures in advance allows them to be used for AR display. It is best to start preparing data from the minimum necessary scope.

3. Equipment and Costs: AR may give the impression that special equipment is required, but in reality the majority of cases can be started with commercially available smartphones and tablets. Dedicated AR glasses (smart glasses) are expensive, but at present tablets and similar devices are sufficiently practical. iPhone and iPad already come with advanced AR capabilities (some models equipped with LiDAR scanners), and you can experience on-site AR simply by installing an app. For small sites, you can start with devices you already have and, if needed, adopt a phased introduction by procuring high-precision GPS devices or additional tablets. We recommend first trying a low-cost, small-scale trial to verify the effects.

4. Operations and Personnel Training: When introducing new technology, informing and training on-site staff is also important. That said, the AR app itself is intuitive and not difficult to operate; since users simply look at the tablet screen and follow the prompts, it's a level where even those who are not good with IT can get used to it within a few tens of minutes of use. However, to make the most of it in actual operations, it is necessary to clarify how to incorporate it into the workflow, such as "when to use AR" and "what to check." It may involve trial and error at first, but if you formalize rules while feeding back input from the field, it will be smoothly adopted. It's also a good idea to decide who will be responsible for equipment preparation (charging tablets, updating data, etc.).

Taking the above points into account, adopting AR—which might otherwise feel like a major hurdle—becomes a realistic prospect. In particular, for high-precision positioning, by leveraging the aforementioned simple surveying using LRTK devices, anyone can obtain accurate position information almost instantly even without professional surveyors. By making good use of these tools, you can align AR displays precisely even on your first site and begin operating without stress.

Summary: How AR Is Changing Site Management and a Recommendation for Simple LRTK Surveying

In the world of construction management and progress monitoring, AR technology is bringing about a truly revolutionary change. From the site manager’s perspective, incorporating AR makes it possible to accurately visualize "the site's current state," nip mistakes in the bud early, and carry out construction while sharing a common understanding among all stakeholders. This represents a step forward from traditional management that relied on experience and intuition, toward smart construction management based on data and visual information.

Of course, there may be some uncertainty due to the novelty of the technology, but as domestic and international cases show, the benefits of using AR have already been demonstrated. From shorter project schedules and cost reductions to improved quality and enhanced safety management, worksites that adopted AR early have steadily achieved results. As the technology continues to advance and devices become more widely available, AR-based on-site management may become a commonplace sight.

First, as the first step to introducing AR at your own sites, why not try starting with something easy to implement? For example, if you introduce simple surveying that utilizes high-precision GNSS, which is key for alignment, you can instantly acquire as-built data for each on-site point and confirm it directly with an AR display. LRTK is a solution that combines such high-precision positioning and AR display, and by simply attaching a dedicated device to a smartphone and launching the app you can visualize the site as if it were inside the 3D drawings. There are no complicated operations at all; it is designed so that field personnel can operate it themselves.

While greatly reducing the time and effort spent on progress management and as-built verification, AR construction management that can achieve both accuracy and reliability will become a powerful tool for site managers going forward. Please take this opportunity to turn your attention to the potential of AR civil engineering and take a step toward site DX. By leveraging the latest tools, including simplified surveying with LRTK, let’s make site management smarter starting tomorrow.

FAQ

Q: What is AR civil engineering? A: "AR civil engineering" refers to the use of AR (augmented reality) technology in the field of civil engineering and construction. On site, by holding up a smartphone or tablet, you can overlay design drawings, 3D models, and construction information onto live images; this technology is applied to a variety of uses such as construction management, progress monitoring, as-built inspections, and consensus building. In short, AR civil engineering is the practice of merging digital design data into real space to assist site management.

Q: What are the benefits of using AR in construction management? A: Broadly speaking, there are benefits in process efficiency, quality improvement, and communication enhancement. In terms of scheduling, AR enables instant visualization of construction progress, making early detection of delays and coordination adjustments smoother. Also, by overlaying the design model on-site for verification, millimeter-level deviations (0.04 in) and construction errors can be prevented in advance, directly reducing rework and ensuring quality. Furthermore, because the completed image can be shared among all stakeholders, aligning understanding with clients and workers becomes easier, and time spent on explanations and discussions is shortened. In this way, AR supports construction management across a wide range—from shortening construction schedules and reducing costs to quality control and consensus building.

Q: What do you need to use AR on site? A: Basically, you can get started as long as you have an AR-compatible smartphone or tablet and the 3D data to display. Recent devices such as iPhones and iPads come with built-in AR capabilities (support for AR apps), so you don't need expensive dedicated equipment. Additionally, for accurate alignment at outdoor civil engineering sites, correcting GPS errors is important, so if possible it is ideal to use a high-precision GPS receiver (RTK-capable device). For example, if you attach a small GNSS device like an LRTK to your smartphone, you can measure your current position with centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy), minimizing AR display drift. In short, as long as you have "a device + AR software + (high-precision positioning if needed)", you can use AR on site.

Q: What is the difference between AR and VR? A: AR (Augmented Reality), translated as "augmented reality," is a technology that overlays digital information onto real-world scenes. On the other hand, VR (Virtual Reality) is a technology that allows users to experience a virtual space independent of reality through goggles or similar devices. AR used in construction management is characterized by displaying virtual building models and instruction information over the actual view of the construction site, fusing the real world and digital information. VR is used for simulations in the design phase, but it is unsuitable for use during on-site work because it prevents you from seeing your surroundings. With AR, you can see the site with your own eyes while obtaining additional information, so it can support work while maintaining safety.

Q: What is simplified surveying? How is it performed on site? A: Simplified surveying refers to a method that, without requiring specialized surveying instruments or advanced skills, allows you to easily measure on-site dimensions and as-built quantities. In recent years, combinations of smartphones and apps with high-precision GPS units have emerged that enable anyone to perform surveying quickly. For example, in a system called LRTK, by measuring positions to centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) with a small GPS receiver attached to a smartphone and simply specifying the area you want to measure on the screen using AR functions, you can instantly calculate fill and excavation volumes. Using such simplified surveying, tasks that previously required hiring a surveyor can be carried out by on-site staff themselves in a short time, dramatically improving the efficiency of progress management and as-built verification. Although it differs from traditional precise surveying in terms of purpose and accuracy, it is a sufficiently useful method for everyday site management.