Augmented reality technologies as an aiding tool in aircraft accident investigations and training

The aim of this project is to develop digital visualization tools which will be used to assist air accident investigators and for training purposes. The AR (Augmented Reality) technology is used to re-create a real aircraft crash scene, i.e. wreckage and surroundings, in a full scale 3D representation. This will enable investigators to transpose the accident scene to a different environment without compromising accuracy of the data acquired at the crash site. Investigators will then have a capability to access a high fidelity model of the crash scene at any time upon removing the wreckage from the accident location. This model can also be shared with other parties involved in the investigation process using online platforms. 3D models of crash scenes may also be used for training purposes of future investigators/students without requiring them to go to a real crash site. Furthermore, AR tools of air crash scenes will allow the creation of a digital database for future reference to investigators regardless of their physical location around the world, providing greater flexibility for cooperative and collaborative investigations by experts from different organizations. The work described in this report has been mainly carried out at RMIT Bundoora campus, Australia.