Geospatial AI is driving innovations across industries, ranging from robotics to augmented reality (AR). Surprisingly, this rapid evolution is being powered by what many consider just a fun, collaborative mobile game: Pokémon GO. While users are capturing Pikachu, Charmander, and Squirtle (Oh my!), Niantic, the software development company responsible for Pokémon GO’s creation, has been capturing GIS data for building advanced geospatial models.
Leveraging Data from Millions of Players
Niantic has had great success with its AR-based games. Its popular titles such as Pokémon GO, Ingress, and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite have enabled the company to collect an unprecedented volume of geospatial data from millions of users worldwide. Valuable data points around the real world are contributed to the data engine each time players explore their surroundings to capture virtual creatures, portals, magical objects, and more. This data is being used to build a Large Geospatial Model (LGM), which is redefining how AI understands and interacts with physical environments.
Unlike traditional mapping systems that rely on vehicle-mounted cameras or satellite imagery, Niantic’s model collects data from a pedestrian’s point of view. The unique perspective allows the system to gain intricate details of urban and rural spaces that are inaccessible to cars and satellites. Whereas conventional mapping methods tend to leave out smaller environmental attributes, like narrow alleys, parks, and the backside of buildings, Niantic’s data collection results in a more comprehensive and nuanced digital representation of the world.
The Role of the Visual Positioning System (VPS)
Central to Niantic’s geospatial AI efforts is its Visual Positioning System (VPS) which utilizes billions of geo-tagged images submitted by users. Combined, these images create a dynamic 3D map which is updated as people continuously scan specific locations. The beauty of VPS is its ability to learn context and evolve by incorporating data from various user interactions and images, upgrading what used to be static models to dynamic, holistic models of the surrounding environments.
Transforming Robotics and Autonomous Systems
One of the most exciting applications of this geospatial AI technology is in robotics. Precise, spatial awareness is required for autonomous systems, such as delivery robots or self-driving cars, to safely and successfully navigate complex environments. Niantic’s LGM enhances these devices to perceive and interact with their surroundings in a more human-like manner. Such developments are making it possible for autonomous systems to effectively operate in crowded urban areas and reduce the number of accidents.
Additionally, other applications such as augmented reality (AR) can become more immersive and contextually aware to seamlessly blend into real-world environments. Such advancements are already impacting video games and training applications, presenting users with realistic environments that mimic or directly mirror real-time interactions and environmental changes.
Privacy and Ethical Considerations
As with all forms of new technology, it is important to note that privacy and ethical considerations be addressed. As Niantic has used its recent gaming applications to double in collecting geospatial data from its user base, the company has emphasized the importance of anonymizing and securing user data to protect individual privacy. As geospatial AI technology continues to evolve, ongoing transparency and adherence to data protection regulations are critical to user trust and safety.
A Glimpse into the Future
As Niantic and other companies continue to refine geospatial AI technology, it can be expected that even more sophisticated AI systems capable of navigating, contextualizing, and interacting with our physical world are on the horizon. In the near future, geospatial AI could enable applications like real-time urban planning, enhanced disaster response, and even personalized AR experiences tailored to individual users’ environments. By transforming everyday activities into data-driven insights, geospatial AI is poised to reshape how we interact with the world around us.
Advancements like this are crucial to the geospatial vertical. This data upon collection can be applied to various geographic information systems making it beneficial to industries like telecommunications. For the most accurate and comprehensive geospatial telecom data, contact GeoTel’s specialists today!
