Augmented reality (AR) was added to the popular Google search engine a few years ago. First released the popular 3D animals, then the latest dinosaurs, cars, athletes Olympics, among other objects that we can add to our room and see from any angle with the smartphone.
Google is now bringing landmarks and monuments to you in augmented reality. The Arts and Culture team at Google has added 3D virtual tours of iconic landmarks to its Search product, including important monuments such as the Tokyo Tower, Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella basilicas in Florence and the Union Buildings in South Africa South. In total, Google has added augmented reality to around 98 monuments around the world.
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Like all AR objects on Google Search, these 3D monuments start with a rotating model that you can zoom in on. AR view on Google search differs from Google Earth as it allows users to place all 3D monuments in their environment.
The 3D models are built using 3D data from Google Earth and displayed via ModelViewer, Google's protocol for handling 3D and AR content on the web.
“Not only will you be able to navigate smoothly to each point, but objects along the way can also be seen in AR,” wrote Florent Robineau and Joe Shepherd, technology lead and product manager associate.
You can find all 98 3D monuments by searching on Android or iOS and scrolling through the Knowledge Panel until you find the “View in 3D” card. There are a few different dashboards with the AR model becoming just another tool.
Google Arts & Culture previously brought 3D models of historic sites like Chauvet Cave, but they were recreated using 3D scanning. The latest treasure lacks high fidelity, but we're also dealing with much more massive structures where 3D scanning would be a Herculean feat.
