Urbanbase Releases "AR Scale" Beta, a 3D Cloud-Based AR Presentation Tool for Architects

• 3D models uploaded online are immediately converted in AR form for placement in a physical environment; the opening of an era where architectural models are presented simply with a mobile device – no need for physical mockups
• First reveal at TechCrunch Disrupt 2018 Startup Alley on September 6
• Urbanbase has the world's largest database of 3D spatial data with patented technology that converts 2D floor plans to 3D in just a few seconds

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Urbanbase, a 3D spatial data platform company (CEO Jinu Ha) announced the beta release of "AR Scale," a 3D cloud-based AR presentation tool for architects. The service will be presented for the first time at "TechCrunch Disrupt 2018 Startup Alley" on September 6 in San Francisco. The first reveal at one of the world's largest tech∙startup conference is in consideration of the globally versatile application of AR Scale, AR/VR market growth within the US, and the strong need for innovation in the US architecture industry.

Urbanbase is a 3D spatial data platform with patented technology that converts a building's floor plans into 3D/VR form in just a few seconds and has the world's largest database of 3D spatial data with which new, added value can be created in convergence with AR/VR. Over 40 brands in Korea including LG Electronics and Fursys Group's home furnishing brand "iloom" have already integrated Urbanbase API on their platforms and are utilizing it to provide more advanced customer service. This is made possible with Urbanbase's 3D spatial data and home designing VR services.

AR Scale is based on "collective intelligence" and is Urbanbase's third service, following home designing VR web service "Urbanbase" and home designing AR mobile application service "Urbanbase AR." Urbanbase's core asset, 3D spatial data, was previously produced by Urbanbase through patented 3D floor plan conversion technology, but Urbanbase anticipates that the scale of 3D spatial data accumulated through Urbanbase and its users will increase exponentially as AR Scale is targeted towards architects all over the world.

If "Urbanbase AR" was for general consumers who are interested in furnishing homes, AR Scale is an augmented reality service for professionals that are oriented towards architectural tasks. According to Urbanbase' survey of over 400 individuals in the architecture field, "creating physical mockups of 3D models" is one of the toughest and frustrating tasks, not only because it's difficult, but also due to its time-consuming nature.

AR Scale enables users to effectively present their projects to third parties without having to create physical mockups by using mobile devices, into 3D models in augmented reality. Architects are able to reduce time by only having to work on 3D modeling and can build a full-scale 3D model house onto the actual project site by using AR Scale's 1:1 Scale mode to preview the building in its natural surroundings.

Clients briefed on AR Scale can have a better understanding of the project and are able to provide specific feedback, as to the view is shown without limitation to physical space. Specific feedback reduces miscommunication between the architect and client, ultimately creating a virtuous cycle of better results.

AR Scale is easy to use. AR Scale's website (https://arscale.io) automatically converts uploaded 3D models to AR mode, and the 3D model can be viewed in augmented reality by scanning the QR code. AR Scale fully supports SketchUp 3D Warehouse's assets, as well as AR conversion for various 3D programming products such as 3D CAD and 3ds Max. Scheduled for release in November, the commercial version will have additional features such as converting AR models for direct VR viewing.

Jinu Ha, CEO of Urbanbase said, "Over the past thousands of years, architects have spent as little as a few weeks to as long as several months to create mockups of their design plans for third parties. More time is spent designing the mockup than doing actual architectural design, only to have the mockup destroyed after a single showing," and that "AR Scale started from pondering how to innovatively solve key pain points experienced over long working hours for those in the architecture industry. We are confident that AR Scale will transform the presentation process for architects all around the world."

About Urbanbase

Established in 2014, Urbanbase (business.urbanbase.com) is a spatial data platform startup created by former architect and programmer CEO Jinu Ha with the ultimate goal of forming an ecosystem where anyone can easily utilize 3D spatial data to create VR and AR services with the API and SDK. Based on patented technology that converts a building's floor plans to 3D in just two seconds, Urbanbase has the 3D spatial data of over 70 percent of all apartment complexes in South Korea and technical partnerships with over 40 real estate platforms and home electronics, furniture, and interior brands including LG Electronics, LG Hausys, iloom, Naver, and Kaare Klint. Urbanbase released the beta version of "Urbanbase," a home designing VR web service that allows users to furnish their homes, in July 2016, home designing AR mobile application service "Urbanbase AR" in January 2018, and revealed their 3D cloud-based AR presentation tool "AR Scale" beta for architects this September.

For Inquiries
Urbanbase Inc. Marketing Division PR Manager, Hyunjoo Gong ([email protected]), +82-10-8488-7708

SOURCE Urbanbase