Pokémon Go scans the world

When Pokémon Go becomes more than just a fun pastime: For Niantic, it is an attempt to create a 3D map of the world for a new kind of internet. The company has recruited an army of volunteers for this mammoth task: its own players. It is mobilising them with a new game function.

In May, Niantic introduced two important innovations to Pokémon Go. Pokéstop scanning allows players to scan Pokéstops and gyms in 3D by recording and uploading videos of the physical locations. Algorithms use this data to generate a 3D model of the environment, which is intended to improve the gaming experience. Smartphones and, in future, AR glasses could be able to locate themselves more precisely in space and embed Pokémon more meaningfully in the environment.

The 3D data also allows realistic concealment effects, known as reality blending, the second important innovation. Thanks to the 3D data, the game could in future know exactly where a statue or a fountain is located, so that these could conceal the digital creatures if necessary. This would make the Pokémon appear more real.

The ultimate goal: AR cloud and AR glasses

Niantic wants to use the 3D scans to create a digital spatial map of the world piece by piece, which in turn will form the basis of a global AR cloud.

This refers to a machine-readable 3D duplicate of the world that serves as a precise coordinate system for smartphones and AR glasses and could be used to place digital content in physical environments with pinpoint accuracy and permanence. The AR cloud would be a new form of the internet that is closely linked to physical reality and would enable completely new application scenarios for smartphones and AR glasses.

The development of the AR cloud has been the top priority since the company was founded in 2010, Niantic Managing Director Megan Quinn said recently.

Game function sets scanning incentives

With the incredible success of Pokémon Go and a huge player base, this goal is now within reach. So how can Pokémon trainers be persuaded to collect 3D data of their environment and upload it to Niantic's servers?

To this end, Niantic is now introducing a new game function: so-called AR mapping tasks. Players near certain Pokéstops and Gyms are given the opportunity to capture the physical environment via 3D scanning and thus complete their daily field research task.

To do this, they have to focus on the location for 20 to 30 seconds with the smartphone camera and, if possible, walk completely around an object. The app analyses the quality of the scan in real time and notifies players if there is too little light or more movement is required.

The new game function has recently become available to Pokémon Trainers of level 20 and higher. The following video shows how 3D scanning works in detail.

Source: Mixed / Youtube