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Placement methods

Notes on the tables:

  • The hardware requirements in the tables are specific to what is required for model placement.
  • Anchor locks are used to save two-point and manual alignments in the mobile app for future sessions. Anchor locks work well on LiDAR devices, but are not recommended for non-LiDAR devices.

AR markers

Recommended forCharacteristicsHardware
  • Visually complex environments that are at least partially protected from the weather.

  • Models that will be handed off to other teams on the site.

  • Sites without Wi-Fi.

Scanning an AR marker places and aligns the model quickly.

You can set AR markers at multiple locations in your model.

All supported devices.

Printer required.

Preparation:
  • In the VisualLive plug-in: set markers in the source model and then sync or upload the model.

  • Place printed markers in the corresponding positions on the site.

Placement: Scan the markers in AR mode.
Realignment:
  • Markers can be moved and realigned in AR mode.

  • Add anchor locks in AR mode.

Two-point placement (reference points)

Recommended forCharacteristicsHardware
  • Sites exposed to the weather.

  • Small spaces.

  • Verifying the model against a prefab or skid.

  • Sites with fixed points. For example, a door frame, the square base of a column or structure, and control survey points.

Not ideal for environments that change frequently, such as active construction sites.

Matching the points in the model to points in the environment places the model.

Only one set of reference points can be defined per model.

Reference points should be on a horizontal surface.

All supported devices.
Preparation:
  • In the VisualLive plug-in: set reference points in the source model, and sync or upload the model.

Placement:

During placement: Align points set up in the VisualLive plug-in with the same real-world points in AR mode. Follow the same procedure every time you load the model.

Realignment:
  • Add AR markers in the plug-in

    and/or

  • Add anchor locks in AR mode.

Anchor search (anchor locks)

Recommended forCharacteristicsHardware
  • Models containing anchor locks.

Not suitable for projects in the early stages of construction. Floors and walls should exist.

Note: Wi-Fi on the site is required. You cannot use anchor search while offline.

Anchor locks are used to save manual alignments. A model can contain many anchor locks. Any anchor lock can be used for placement.

Devices with LiDAR recommended.

Preparation: An anchor lock must be saved in the model in AR mode in a previous session. The location on the site must be accessible. Documenting the locations of anchor locks and directions to find them is helpful.
Placement: Scan the environment for an existing lock. Approaching the lock activates it and places the model.
Realignment:
  • Realignments can be saved to an existing anchor lock at the alignment location.

  • Add additional anchor locks.

Manual placement

Recommended forCharacteristicsHardware
  • Models with no AR markers or reference points.

  • Environments with fixed points. For example, a door frame, the square base of a column or structure, and control survey points.

  • Ideal for quick placement in an office to test the model.

You can place and align the model wherever you want. To save an alignment point with an anchor lock, there must be adequate scan coverage.

All supported devices

Note: Anchor locks must be used to save placement information for future sessions. Wi-Fi on the site is required to save anchor locks in the model.

Preparation: None.
Placement: Use the manual alignment tools in the Align menu in AR mode. This method can be time consuming. Anchor locks are used to save placement.
Corrections: Same method as placement.