What does the future hold in terms of integrating emerging technologies into industrial operations – and are we ready? The lively session on 'Connecting Emerging Technologies to Geospatial and AEC Workflows' held on Day One of Geo Week 2025 explored how advances in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are impacting current practices in the construction sector.
Moderated by David Epps, chief technology officer of Envision Construction, the session featured a panel of construction industry experts, including Ashley Crowder, CEO and co-founder of VNTANA, Chase Walker, senior simulations engineer at Astec Industries, Accenture technology consultant John Niles, and David Stone, Northeast VDC leader for DPR Construction. Optimizing 3D models mixed reality
The session began with a presentation by Crowder and Walker on a collaboration between VNTANA and Astec that deployed Web 3D, AR and other systems to enhance training and improve operation management. During the presentation, titled 'Mapping the Future: How 3D and Digital Twins are Revolutionizing Geospatial Technology', Crowder explained how her firm was tasked with helping Astec showcase its large-scale, complex equipment. VNTANA leveraged its technology to optimize 3D models and develop immersive experiences that have helped Astec train staff and clients, improve interactions with customers, and even make their maintenance operations more efficient.
“Having the ability to have this content anywhere on any device, super-fast, is a game-changer, especially for interacting with clients or with dealers,” stated Walker. For staff training, he explained, VNTANA’s solutions help “to see the inside of the equipment, and then each feature is described in depth”. Moreover, he asserted, “we can now provide our sales guys, our dealers, with these showrooms where you can look at side by side equipment and explain advantages, disadvantages, why this thing is what you need. It's just a great education piece”.
Building off this presentation, the panel tackled a number of issues related to the integration of 3D, AR and AI in construction.
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Participants of the Emerging Technology Session, from left to right: David Epps, Ashley Crowder, Chase Walker, John Niles, and David Stone. (Image courtesy of Geo Week/Diversified Communications)
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