Abstract Manager

Transportation engineering projects often encounter challenges in traditional 2D design workflows, such as difficulties in visualizing complex projects, miscommunication, and costly design revisions during construction. To address these issues, ISL piloted and implemented vSite, an augmented reality (AR) platform by vGIS Inc., which overlays 3D models onto real-world views via mobile devices. This solution enhances design visualization, error detection, and real-time collaboration.

The platform allows for the visualization of transportation projects in two ways. It enables interaction with the 3D model through desktop walkthroughs, high-quality renderings, first-person exploration, and virtual reality (VR) experiences. Additionally, it enhances on-site project visualization with tablets for exploring future construction components, finished ground elevations, and underground utilities.

In addition to adopting vSite, ISL developed an in-house immersive technology platform called Sim Civ-E. This platform provides desktop walkthroughs, high-quality renderings, first-person exploration, and VR experiences, complementing AR by offering stakeholders accessible, interactive environments to explore designs in detail from the office. This dual approach ensures a comprehensive understanding across all project phases.

These initiatives align with ISL’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) Strategic Plan, which emphasizes integrated, data-rich workflows to drive innovation and project success. By leveraging detailed BIM models, both vSite and Sim Civ-E deliver highly accurate, immersive experiences. This integration allows seamless transitions from design to visualization, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from the depth and accuracy of BIM outputs, while enhancing collaboration and decision-making across disciplines.

By integrating vSite and Sim Civ-E, ISL improved its design review process, enabling immersive visualization, early error detection, collaborative feedback, and real-time updates. This has led to greater design accuracy, reduced rework, and shorter review cycles.

These technologies have benefited ISL by providing immersive experiences, enabling different perspectives, and leading to faster decision-making and design evolution. Clients and stakeholders can now explore projects intuitively, fostering trust and transparency. In this pilot, ISL identified design inconsistencies for redesign, avoiding costly rework during construction.

This case demonstrates the potential of AR and VR in the transportation industry. By leveraging vSite and Sim Civ-E, ISL has addressed traditional design bottlenecks and improved workflows.