Snap (Snapchat)Bringing Locations to Life with AR
Read Full ArticleSummary
The article introduces the Custom Landmarkers feature in Lens Studio, enabling creators to anchor AR experiences to real-world locations using LiDAR technology. It explains the technical processes behind creating 3D representations of landmarks and the user experience design considerations taken to simplify the scanning process. The integration of LiDAR sensors enhances the accuracy of AR experiences, allowing for a democratization of AR creation among users with LiDAR-enabled devices. The article also highlights the iterative user testing that informed the design of the scanning tool, ensuring a user-friendly experience for AR creators.
Key Learnings
- 1Custom Landmarkers allow AR creators to anchor experiences to real-world locations, enhancing community storytelling through AR.
- 2The use of LiDAR technology significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of creating 3D representations of landmarks.
- 3User experience design was prioritized through iterative testing, leading to a streamlined scanning process that is accessible to a wider audience.
- 4The integration of both LiDAR-based scanning and traditional photogrammetry provides flexibility in capturing detailed geometries of locations.
- 5Future developments aim to extend AR capabilities to devices without LiDAR scanners, broadening the accessibility of AR creation.
Who Should Read This
AR Developers with experience in 3D modeling and a focus on enhancing user interaction through augmented reality applications.
Test Your Knowledge
What are the trade-offs between using LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry for creating 3D models in AR?
How does the Custom Landmarker feature enhance the storytelling capabilities of AR creators?
What design decisions were made to simplify the user experience during the scanning process, and why were they necessary?
In what ways can the integration of user feedback improve the functionality of AR tools like Custom Landmarkers?
What challenges might arise when expanding AR capabilities to devices lacking LiDAR technology?
Topics
More from Snap (Snapchat) Engineering
View Snap (Snapchat) engineering blogs →Spectacles - EyeConnect
The article discusses EyeConnect, a feature designed to facilitate shared augmented reality experiences by allowing users to connect their Spectacles through a novel motion tracking algorithm. Unlike...
Universal User Modeling (UUM): A Foundation Model for User Understanding at Snapchat
The article discusses Universal User Modeling (UUM) at Snapchat, a foundational model designed to enhance user understanding across various product surfaces. UUM captures user behaviors over time by...
From Monolith to Multicloud Micro-Services: Inside Snap’s Service Mesh - Snap Engineering
The article outlines Snap Engineering's transition from a monolithic application architecture to a microservices architecture deployed across multiple cloud providers, specifically AWS and Google...
Don't Rewrite Your App, Unless You Have To - Snap Engineering
The article discusses the Snapchat Engineering team's experience in rewriting their Android app to enhance performance and reduce bugs. It outlines the challenges faced due to the app's complexity...
Making The Most of a Rewrite - Snap Engineering
The article outlines the process and considerations involved in rewriting the Snapchat application, focusing on architectural improvements to enhance performance and maintainability. It emphasizes...