An expert in the field of architecture and heritage has said that Microsoft’s HoloLens will play a huge part in the future of the sector.

Speaking at CyArk’s annual summit, Adrian Ferrier – who heads up product development in visual intelligence solutions for California-based mapping company Trimble Navigation – envisioned an exciting future.

He said when applied to the world of architecture, engineering and construction, the HoloLens device can extend interaction with 3D models beyond the confines of a 2D computer screen, creating new ways to consume, interact and communicate with spatial data.

“It’s a transformational device that can communicate space,” said Ferrier. “You’re wearing this device and it has an understanding of the world around you, putting your information into the real world.

“It's also important for context. So there might be a missing column for example, which the HoloLens will then fill in, giving the user an understanding of what something used to look like or could look like in the future.

In the context of preservation architecture, this applies even if it has been partially or even completely destroyed.

Trimble said the HoloLens technology is so advanced that eventually people will be able to virtually tour areas which are inaccessible, offering an exciting development for the public and professionals alike.

There are numerous applications – if someone wears a HoloLens headset on a site, the data picked up by the device can then transmit to remote devices, essentially creating a virtual version of the person’s surroundings in real time.

“Not only can it project onto the real world but it can also collect data,” said Ferrier. “HoloLens will also offer remote location functionality, so a person off-site will be able to join someone remotely using this augmented technology.”

Trimble has been working with Microsoft on HoloLens, saying: “The collaboration allows us to explore ways to augment today’s technology with solutions that allow individuals to more effectively interpret and interact with physical and digital information and their spatial relationships.

"It can transform how architects, engineers, contractors and owners work, he said. “In five years we’ll all be interactive in the world with this technology.”