Place a model using an AR marker#

There are two methods to place a model using an AR marker at the end of the loading procedure: Marker Scan and Marker Airtap.

Prerequisites#

• At least one AR marker has been added to the model in the VisualLive plug-in.

• The printed AR marker is in the corresponding location in the physical site. Accurate positioning of the printed marker on the site is required for good alignment.

  Tip: When placing AR markers on vertical surfaces, place the virtual and printed AR markers so that the N arrow is vertical. (The arrows do not have to point true north.) This is an easy way to keep the direction of the markers the same in the model and on the site.

• The steps in Load a model have been completed.

Marker scan#

This is the standard method for loading and placing a model using an AR marker. You can use marker scan with horizontal or vertical AR markers.

1. Airtap Marker Scan in the placement options on the main window. (You may have to skip Anchor Search for the placement option to appear.)

   

2. Scan the printed AR marker. For accurate placement, your camera must be within 12 and 18 inches of the marker.

   • Scan the QR code on the AR Marker. This loads the model data.
   • Scan the full AR Marker to properly place the model.

   When the marker is adequately scanned, a virtual compass overlays the paper marker.

3. Continue to scan the paper marker from the front and the side to align the virtual compass. Any slight skewing will impact the model more as you move further from the alignment location. Check that:

   • The compass arrow is aligned with the N arrow on the printed marker.
   • The center of the compass is aligned with the + sign on the printed marker.
   • The compass is lying flat on the printed marker. To check this, stand to the side of the marker and look at it.

4. Confirm the virtual marker placement and orientation, then airtap Place Model.

5. After loading, the model appears in the view. The marker in the model is visible and aligned with the marker on the site.

Marker airtap#

Use this method with horizontal markers only. Marker airtap is recommended when quickly placing a model in an environment other than an actual job site or when it's difficult to position your device 12 to 18 inches from the marker.

Marker placement can be performed only on the first marker added in the plug-in (Marker 1). Marker placement cannot be used for additional horizontal markers in the model.

1. In the placement options on the main window, airtap Marker Airtap. (You may have to skip Anchor Search for the placement option to appear.)

   

   Two balls appear on the end of your cursor.

2. Place the lower ball on the small + (plus) symbol on the marker and airtap.

3. Drag the second ball in the direction of the N arrow on the printed marker. The line between the balls must be accurately aligned with the arrow on the AR marker. Any slight skewing will impact the model as you move further from the alignment location. Airtap again.

The model appears in the view. The marker in the model is visible and aligned with the marker on the site.

Additional resources#

You can change the position of a virtual marker in your model to align with the printed marker in the site. See Correct the location of an AR marker (Save Alignment).