Creating and Exploring AR Scenes of City Infrastructure | FME Realize

Introduction

In this tutorial series, we will learn how to create 3D Augmented Reality (AR) models representing city infrastructure from a small 2D GIS dataset and how to experience them using the FME Realize app.

The process is divided into three main steps:

1. Defining Data Transformation: Using FME Form, we will define how to transform a typical 2D GIS dataset consisting of points and lines into a 3D model.
2. Creating AR Apps: We will create an FME Flow AR App, accessible on iOS devices with FME Realize.
3. Visualizing and Interacting: Finally, we will visualize the AR model in the real world and learn to place, adjust, and explore it using the FME Realize app.

Augmented Reality that uses geospatial data brings unique challenges. Unlike viewing data on a traditional screen, where user location doesn’t matter, AR relies on the context of the real-world environment it represents. This means it is impossible to create a universal underground utility training dataset that anyone could use. Therefore, this tutorial serves as a general guideline. You may need to adapt the workflow to match your own data so that, when placed in the real world, your model aligns with the geographic context of your surroundings.

We will use a small simulated dataset representing typical underground utilities, such as pipes and cables, along with some on-the-ground assets—a fire hydrant, a manhole cover, and a couple of catch basins. This simplified dataset is designed to be easy to use, allowing us to focus on the process rather than managing large real-world datasets. Once you complete the tutorial, you should be able to adjust the workflow to accommodate your own data.

Requirements

• FME Form 2025.1+ 
• FME Flow 2025.1+
• An iOS mobile device with FME Realize app installed 

Source Data

In this tutorial, we will work with a few data sources, which include a SpatiaLite database, a couple of OBJ models and JPEG files.

The following feature types are included in the SpatiaLite database. At this stage, these are all point and line features, which we will transform to 3D geometries such as surfaces, solids, and meshes, that is, the geometry types supported by FMEAR format and the FME Realize app.

The 3D OBJ models:

Fire Hydrant	Water Valve

The manhole cover and catch basin textures in JPEG format:

Manhole cover	Catch Basin

Articles

1. Defining Data Transformation for 3D Augmented Reality (AR) Models

Using FME Form, learn how to transform a typical 2D GIS dataset consisting of points and lines into an AR model. 

2. Creating an FME Flow AR App

Next, using the AR model workspace, create an FME Flow AR App that is accessible on iOS devices with FME Realize.

3. Using FME Realize (FME AR Mobile App)

Finally, visualize the AR model in the real world and learn to place, adjust, and explore it using the FME Realize app.

What’s Next

In this tutorial, we covered a wide range of topics: defining data transformations, creating an FME Flow AR app, and placing and exploring AR models in real-world environments. While these steps provide a strong foundation, there are additional possibilities to explore that can take your AR workflows even further:

• Web View Integrations: Expand functionality by integrating with Web View to view and update attributes, or connect with third-party products like YouTube for embedded videos, Cityworks for infrastructure management, or integrate AI agents for Quality Assurance.
• Terrain Draping: Ensure your models follow the terrain more accurately by draping the data to reflect elevation changes. Perform the draping step before transforming the data to 3D. Pass the elevation of the starting/anchor point to all features, allowing absolute elevations to be offset to heights relative to the anchor point.
• Advanced Labelling: Leverage HTML to create sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing labels. HTML provides flexibility for styling and layout, enabling detailed and visually appealing designs. These labels can then be rasterized using a third-party utility, such as wkhtml2image, to seamlessly integrate into your AR model.
• Parameterized Thematic Styling: Create thematic styling based on user-defined parameters to generate and reload datasets with customized feature appearances.

These enhancements can help create more immersive and functional AR experiences tailored to your specific needs. While not covered in detail here, they represent valuable directions for further exploration.

Additional Resources

Introduction to Connected Experiences in FME Realize

Placing 3D Models in the Real World (or Near You): A Guide to Location, Landmarks, and Accuracy in FME Realize

Tutorial: Getting Started with 3D and 3D Transformations