Integration of augmented reality and geospatial technology in natural gas infrastructure management

Today, there is a growing demand for software and hardware-based solutions that can efficiently access and use the spatial data for management of infrastructure network. In recent years, the concept of augmented reality, one of the most remarkable subjects in the field of informatics, was first expressed in the theory of "Reality-Virtuality Continuum". According to the theory, the concept of reality is defined as the environment containing the real objects, which are directly displayed in the real world without any electronic display. On the other hand, the concept of virtuality is explained as the environment in which the relationship with reality is completely eliminated, and completely virtual objects encountered only in computer simulations. In the light of definitions; augmented reality can be expressed as an environment where reality and virtuality can be perceived together by adding virtual objects into the real world. Geospatial technology is an inevitable and effective tool for utility network management. For many years, GIS (Geographical Information Systems) technology has proven itself in the institutions, performing served natural gas, power, water, sewer, etc. Nevertheless as a means of decision support, GIS is inadequate for infrastructure management in some cases. Inadequate access to spatial data required for decision-making and guidance, especially in field operations, leads to wrong decisions and a serious loss of time. In order to solve the problem, a mobile application integrating geospatial technologies and agumentend reality was developed within the master thesis, which integrates geospatial technologies and augmented reality. Thus, a platform was established with developed application, that increases efficiency in the field applications of the natural gas infrastructure management. In the study, natural gas infrastructure data, in a particular area in Eskişehir, were displayed in 3D in their actual position using augmented reality. As a result, more efficient use of the spatial data of natural gas infrastructure in field operations has been achieved through augmented reality integration.