🌟 As augmented reality continues to evolve, it's opening up exciting new possibilities for industries around the world. One area that's really taking off is AR wayfinding, also known as indoor navigation. Imagine having a virtual guide to help you navigate complex spaces like stadiums, malls, airports, or industrial plants. Sounds cool, right? Let’s dive into how this technology works and why it's a game-changer.
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What is AR Wayfinding?
AR Wayfinding is something like GPS but it is used in places that requires more precision or accuracy because GPS might not be so accurate in indoor areas. Instead of relying on maps or signs, you get real-time navigation instructions right on your phone or smart glasses. It's like having a personal guide showing you the way in places where GPS falls short. This technology is perfect for large, complex spaces where getting lost is easy and finding your way can be a real headache.
How Does It Work?
The magic happens when you create a 3D map of a space using cameras and generate a point cloud of the scanned room which helps your device understand the layout of the environment. While setting this up can be tricky and costly, companies like Immersal are making it easier with their spatial mapping and visual positioning technology. You can use this tech not just for navigation but also for other purposes like 2D mapping and asset tracking. 2D mapping involves creating flat representations of spaces for easy reference, while asset tracking helps monitor the location and status of objects within that space.
To add physics to the rendered tubes, simply check the box to enable gravity.
Why Use AR Wayfinding?
1. Effortless Navigation: With precise navigation baked into reality, finding your way becomes a breeze, whether you're in a shopping mall, industrial plant, or event venue. No more getting lost!
2. Enhanced User Experience: Make navigation fun by gamifying the experience. Imagine turning your space into a scavenger hunt or a mini-game! It's a creative way to engage visitors and help them explore.
3. Boost Operational Efficiency: In places like industrial plants, AR wayfinding helps workers locate machines or assets quickly, saving time and improving workflow. It can even integrate with IoT sensors for real-time insights.
Real-World Application: The Mall of Tripla
One exciting project is the Mall of Tripla in Helsinki. With over 250 stores, this huge shopping center needed a navigation solution. Using Immersal's tech, they mapped three floors in just two days, allowing visitors to easily find their way around without closing the mall. It’s a perfect example of how AR wayfinding can make life easier and more efficient.
Ready to Get Started?
Now if you are looking to create an AR wayfinding app by yourself, we‘ve got you covered.
You can start by checking out:
1. This blog that teaches you how to map your physical environment and get started with Immersal’s SDK to place augmented content.
2. Then you can check out this blog to see how to setup Indoor navigation.
If you don’t what to stop here, you can check out :
1. This blog to learn to setup a local AR Multiplayer experience
2. And this blog to setup an industrial application that uses BIM model to augment hidden pipes/ wires/ducts, etc.
3. and finally you can checkout this blog to setup WebAR application .
Wanna start exploring Immersal?
You can do it using just one SDK from Immersal here.
