UK geospatial specialist, MGISS and Canada-based vGIS, have joined forces to transform traditional GIS, BIM and CAD data into augmented reality visualisations

The development of Augmented Reality as a tool to manage and visualise hidden infrastructure assets has taken a major step forward following the announcement of a partnership between the two technology companies.

Augmented Reality provides an interactive experience of an environment where objects that reside in the real world, such as underground pipes, are displayed and enhanced with additional intelligence.

A specialist in the use of geospatial technology in the utility, infrastructure and environment sectors, MGISS recognises the demands for improved spatial data quality and the requirement to communicate complex, asset dense, 3D environments in an easy to consume way.

By combining authoritative survey-grade positions and associated data with consumer-grade hardware MGISS enables users of vGIS to access augmented reality visualisations from any smart device.


Using the vGIS system, field personnel can see an augmented view that includes holographic infrastructure objects, improving environmental assessments and increasing situational awareness.

Capturing complex environments

Mike Darracott, managing director and founder of MGISS, said: “Initiatives such as digital twinning and the expectation of ‘Business As Usual’ (BAU) operations require the capture and representation of increasing complex real-world environments.

“Asset owners and operators face a number of challenges and opportunities including the need to improve safety, reduce risk and ensure what lies beneath our feet meets future infrastructure needs.

“vGIS truly understand the needs and the challenges facing these sectors. In fact, vGIS goes further than any other augmented reality solution by providing a full range of 3D spatial data capabilities; all within a platform that works with existing enterprise systems and data structures.”

Alec Pestov, founder and CEO of vGIS, added: “Value is often hidden deep within the structure of data. By helping people “see” data in more intuitive ways, they gain new insights and can subsequently do more with that information. That’s been the core operating philosophy of vGIS.

“To achieve this we are building an ecosystem bringing together top experts to work jointly towards a common goal. MGISS possesses deep expertise in the spatial services and solutions sector and we are looking forward to joining forces to deliver augmented and mixed reality visualisations in the UK.”