Niantic’s ‘Large Geospatial Model’ has big implications for AR and wearables

The development of Large Geospatial Models marks a significant advancement in how machines could interact with and understand physical spaces, with implications for augmented reality and urban planning.

The breakthrough technology: Niantic, known for Pokemon Go, has unveiled its Large Geospatial Model (LGM), a sophisticated system that enables machines to perceive and navigate physical environments with unprecedented precision.

• The LGM leverages advanced 3D computer vision capabilities to help machines orient themselves in mapped spaces similarly to human spatial awareness
• Over 10 million 3D scans from locations worldwide form the foundation of the model, with approximately 1 million new scans being added weekly
• The system incorporates more than 50 million trained neural networks, utilizing trillions of parameters to process and understand spatial data

Technical capabilities: The LGM demonstrates remarkable abilities in spatial understanding and reconstruction, pushing the boundaries of current geospatial technology.

• The model can generate complete 3D representations of buildings from partial scans, effectively filling in missing information through AI-powered extrapolation
• Centimeter-level accuracy in global mapping is achievable through the system’s sophisticated processing capabilities
• The technology enables machines to comprehend and interact with physical environments in real-time, a crucial advancement for augmented reality applications

Real-world applications: Niantic’s geospatial model opens up numerous possibilities across various sectors and use cases.

• Architects and urban planners could utilize the technology for detailed site analysis and visualization
• Historical preservation efforts could benefit from the ability to create detailed digital records of locations
• Future augmented reality experiences could become more immersive and contextually aware through improved environmental understanding
• Smart glasses and other AR devices could leverage the technology for enhanced spatial awareness and user interaction

Looking ahead and market impact: The development of Large Geospatial Models represents a significant step toward more sophisticated augmented reality experiences, though questions remain about data privacy and real-world implementation challenges in diverse environments.