Niantic Spatial is set to unveil a significant update to its Scaniverse platform, along with a new global visual positioning system (VPS), marking its largest release since the company’s independence last year. The San Francisco-based firm, which employs around 30 engineers in Bellevue, Washington, developed key elements of this launch, including a developer toolkit designed for various industries.
The Scaniverse app allows users to create intricate 3D models of physical environments using smartphones or 360-degree cameras. The VPS leverages billions of images sourced from Pokémon GO players to accurately determine a device’s location and orientation through visual cues, rather than relying on GPS. Applications for this technology span across fields such as robotics, augmented reality, and construction.
Niantic Spatial, led by CEO John Hanke, was formed after Niantic sold its gaming division, including Pokémon GO, to Scopely for $3.5 billion. The company received $250 million in funding to support its innovative projects. According to Tory Smith, the director of product management, the platform was originally designed for gaming, but it now has broader applications, indicating a significant shift in focus for the company.
Concerns about data privacy have been addressed by Smith, who emphasized that all data collection was opt-in and anonymized, adhering to GDPR standards globally. He assured that there was no hidden data collection involved in their processes.