A Technology Fusion Approach for Augmented Reality Applications

Technology fusion through the integration of multiple sensors and data sources is a common feature of current spatial information applications. Augmented reality is one such example. Augmented reality is a technology that overlays views of the real world with digital information. It provides an innovative application of spatial databases and can be applied in both real-time and non-real-time applications. In order to correctly align digital (augmented) data with views of the real world, position and attitude determination is required. This paper describes the development of an augmented reality prototype, which includes the design and implementation of a position and attitude determination component. The prototype relies on spatial information to improve the accuracy of position and attitude determination. Successful field tests of the prototype are carried out in Melbourne, Australia. The field tests are focused around a case study that uses the prototype to enable drivers to ‘see’ the road and surrounding vehicles despite heavy fog, rain, snow or other low visibility situations.