The information and communication technologies (ICTs) utilization ratio in the construction industry is relatively low. This industry is characterized by low productivity, time and cost overruns in projectsdue to inefficient management processes, poor communication and low process automation. To improve construction performance, a BIM-based (BIM - (Building Information Modelling) and augmented reality (AR) application (referred to as the AR4C: Augmented Reality for Construction) is proposed, which integrates a location-based management system (LBMS). The application provides context-specific information on construction projects and tasks, as well as key performance indicators on the progress and performance of construction tasks. The construction projects are superimposed onto the real world, while a site manager is walking through the construction site. This paper describes the most important methods and technologies, which are needed to develop the AR4C application. In particular, the data exchange between BIM software and the Unity environment is discussed, as well as the integration of LBMS into BIM software and the AR4C application. Finally, the implemented and planned functionalities are argued. The AR4C application prototype was tested in a laboratory environment and produced positive feedback. Since the application addresses construction sites, a validation in semi-real scenarios with end users is recommended.

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L'archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d'enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés.

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After a comparative evaluation around the concepts of Industry 4.0, Precision Agriculture and Smart Farming, the paper discusses the necessity of identifying solutions able to apply the methods of the so-called Knowledge Management 4.0 in the agri-environmental enterprises. To this aim, an ontology based on a conceptual map derived from the data-to-information transformation is here proposed to support the design of a new generation of Farm Information Systems (FIS) able to fit the production needs of agri-environmental enterprises. The data-to-information cycle is split into four phases: A) Data collection, B) Data processing, C) Data analysis and evaluation, and D) Use of information. Phases A and D comprise tools of “light digitization” typically referring to OLTP components (On Line Transactional Processes). On their turn, phases B and C are typically formed by “heavy digitization” components (On Line Analytical Processes), generally more complicated to be managed by the farmers directly. The conceptual map defined by the ontology is firstly useful to plan the composition of the FIS according to a modular approach, possibly following a strategy that starts to consider the introduction of OLTP components, for then evolving gradually towards more articulated solutions that include also OLAP component and related functions. In this way, decision makers can manage practical planning instrument able to show clearly the level of complexity a FIS can reach, thus evaluating its sustainability with respect to the financial, cultural and professional resources available at the farm. Finally, after having underlined the opportunities offered by Cloud Computing and widespread connectivity, that provide an easier adoption of OLAP tools, some application cases are presented and discussed.

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L'archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d'enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés.