vGIS Accuracy Guide


Positioning accuracy is the single most important component when displaying spatially referenced visuals in augmented reality (AR). Without accurate placement, the utility of augmented reality is at best reduced, at worst dangerous insofar as it may help cause an accident by providing false confidence.

AR users may equip themselves with survey-grade positioning devices or may carry nothing more than a phone or a tablet. vGIS is designed to satisfy the broadest range of possible applications and to provide the best possible experience in each case.

vGIS employs several patented and patent-pending positioning technologies that are unique to vGIS in addition to the full array of industry-standard AR positioning methods . To help you assess the cost, convenience, and experience of vGIS in the context that is most relevant to you, this guide explains the pros and cons of each method.

Download Accuracy Guide

For each type of available equipment, the table below lists the requirements and expected results that will assist you in determining the degree of accuracy, and type of equipment best-suited to your specific needs.

Equipment Expected Results
Phones and tablets
No external GNSS

Manual calibration

  • Positioning accuracy: up to 10cm ideal; sub-50cm typical
  • Directional accuracy: up to 0.1° ideal; 0.2°-0.4° typical
  • Positioning and directional accuracy relies on manual calibration
  • Positioning and directional accuracy may drift over time
  • Occasional position and heading validation required
Microsoft HoloLens
No external GNSS

Manual calibration

  • Positioning accuracy: up to 10cm ideal; 30cm-50cm typical
  • Directional accuracy: sub-0.1° ideal; 0.1°-0.4° typical
  • Positioning and directional accuracy relies on manual calibration
  • Positioning and directional accuracy have little drift
  • Position and heading validation is rarely required
  • The system self-corrects most positioning drifts
Sub-meter external GNSS

Manual calibration. Equipment examples: Bad Elf Surveyor, Eos Arrow 100, Trimble R1.

  • Positioning accuracy: up to 10cm ideal; sub-50cm typical
  • Directional accuracy: up to 0.1° ideal; 0.2°-0.4° typical
  • Positioning and directional accuracy relies on manual calibration
  • Positioning accuracy stays within GNSS accuracy limits
  • Directional accuracy may drift over time
  • Occasional heading validation required
  • Occasional position validation recommended
Sub-10cm GNSS
Flexible placement

Automated position calibration and tracking. Equipment examples: Eos Arrow Gold, Leica GG04, Trimble Catalyst/R2/R8/R10/R12.

  • Positioning accuracy: up to 5cm ideal; 5cm-20cm typical
  • Directional accuracy: up to 0.1° ideal; 0.2°-0.4° typical
  • Position tracking is fully automated
  • Positioning accuracy stays within GNSS accuracy limits plus device/receiver distance flex
  • Heading tracking possible
Sub-10cm GNSS
Fixed to device

Automated position/heading calibration and tracking. Equipment examples: Eos Arrow Gold, Leica GG04, Trimble Catalyst/R2/R8/R10/R12.

  • Positioning accuracy: up to 5cm ideal; 5cm-20cm typical
  • Directional accuracy: up to 0.1° ideal; 0.2°-0.4° typical
  • Position and heading tracking is fully automated
  • Positioning accuracy stays within GNSS accuracy limits
  • Heading tracking remains within 0.2°