Developing the First AR Experience for Google Maps
summary
Google Maps adds an AR walking mode that uses a precomputed visual positioning service built from Street View plus visual‑inertial odometry and ML that ignores transient features; localization often relocalizes in under a second but only where high‑quality Street View exists (large gaps in China and much of Africa). Teams run over 120 prototype variants, 25 iterations of the AR mascot, and test with local guides and Pixel users; camera power and pedestrian safety overlays limit continuous use but the feature works well where coverage and lighting permit.
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chapters (24)
- 0:00Introduction
- 6:38Inertial sensors
- 8:33Visual sensors
- 10:07Localization
- 11:46Trees
- 19:22Reinventing Navigation
- 21:14Using AR to Place Things
- 21:48Early Design Exploration
- 23:13The Fox Experience
- 24:20Localization Experience
- 25:29Path Visualization
- 26:29Design Sprint
- 26:57AR Principles
- 27:35AR Environment
- 28:08Grounding
- 29:16Leverage the Familiar
- 30:20Era Mode
- 31:25Popup Message
- 31:43Feedback
- 33:24AR Moments
- 34:08Summary
- 35:31Local Guides
- 36:35Whats Next
- 37:22Thank You
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