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inCitu

Augmented reality platform for urban planning and community engagement

Location-based AR platform that transforms 3D building and urban development models into immersive experiences accessible via QR codes or URLs. Enables architects, planners, and community members to visualize proposed projects at 1:1 scale on smartphones without app downloads. Supports seamless integration with ArcGIS Online for GIS workflows.

Pricing
free tier, $200/seat/month
Alternatives
Rhino 3D, Lumion, Geopogo Cities
Who it's for
Architecture, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture
$2M raisedEarly Stage
Founded 2019 · Projects in 23 countries across 6 continents (case studies: Ralph Wilson Park Pedestrian Bridge Buffalo NY, Wakefield Yards Development Bronx NY, Tampa Bay climate resilience projects)
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WHY IT EXISTS

Why This Tool Exists

The Problem

Community engagement for urban development projects relies on 2D renderings and static presentations that fail to convey scale and spatial relationships to residents and stakeholders. Traditional AR solutions require expensive equipment or app installations, limiting adoption. City planners and developers struggle to gather diverse community feedback early in design when changes are most feasible.

The Solution

Transforms 3D models into location-based AR experiences that display projects at 1:1 scale using only a smartphone camera and QR codes. No app download required—users access via browser-based AR. Integrates with ArcGIS Online to import GIS-driven 3D models directly into AR workflows, enabling seamless data exchange for urban planning professionals.

USAGE

How You Use It

Delivery Method
SaaSWeb-Based ARMobile App
Integrations
ArcGIS OnlineApple App Store (inCituAR app)Google Play (inCituAR app)
Disciplines
Architecture, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering
Workflows
Visualization & Presentation
Project Phases
Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Community Engagement, Planning
Project Types
Mixed-Use, Infrastructure, Commercial, Residential, Civic
TRANSPARENCY

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

Input
What it needs
Required:3D model file
Optional:Project context, Geolocation data, Design metadata
Formats:.glb, .usdz, .zip, .obj, .fbx, .dae
Output
What you get
Format:Location-based augmented reality experiences with 1:1 scale visualization
Fields:3D model rendered at real-world scale, Location-locked AR experience (geofenced to project site), QR code for easy smartphone access, Shareable URL for remote "Tabletop AR" experience, Cloud-hosted project hosting on inCitu platform
Algorithm
How it works
Model:Location-based augmented reality using WebAR and device geolocation APIs
Accuracy:Location accuracy ±5-10 meters (GPS limitations); visual alignment dependent on GPS precision and device orientation
Privacy
How your data is protected
Retention:Project-based retention (duration not publicly specified)
Training:Not publicly specified
Compliance:Terms of Service covering user content and platform usage
API
Integration
Endpoint:Contact vendor for API access
Method:Not publicly documented
USE CASES

Use Cases

  • ·Urban development community engagement and public participation in planning
  • ·Real estate marketing—visualizing completed projects on-site at 1:1 scale
  • ·Infrastructure project stakeholder communication (transit, parks, resilience)
  • ·Climate resilience visualization for coastal flood mitigation and adaptation
  • ·Affordable housing development community acceptance and feedback
  • ·City planning and zoning review with immersive scale visualization
  • ·Real estate investment presentations and site feasibility analysis
  • ·Landscape and public realm design visualization with community input
PRICING

Pricing

Free
Basic tier—free project creation with 25MB storage and limited features
Pro
$200/seat/month (monthly) or $2,000/seat/year (annual)—unlimited projects, 1GB storage, AR modeling services access
Enterprise
Custom pricing available for organizations requiring SSO, dedicated support, and advanced features
Sources & Research NotesResearch date: 2026-04-04
Data Sources (11)
Fields Checked (15)
problem, solution, deliveryMethod, integrations, disciplines, projectPhases, projectTypes, yearFounded, maturityStage, fundingTotal, customerBase, input-formats, output-structure, pricing, use-cases
Not Found (7)
privacy-policy-specific-document, data-training-practices, soc2-certification, iso27001, api-documentation, data-retention-days, algorithm-accuracy-metrics
About this research: This record summarizes the cited sources and fields checked. A research date does not establish hands-on testing. Consult the original sources for current details and limitations.
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