The Lightship Visual Positioning System (VPS) is a technology developed by Niantic, the creators of Pokémon GO, aimed at enhancing the accuracy of location-based augmented reality (AR) experiences. While VPS is not directly integrated into Pokémon GO as of now, it offers features that could potentially improve location tracking in similar AR applications. Here's how VPS could enhance location accuracy in a broader context:
1. Centimeter-Level Accuracy: VPS provides centimeter-level accuracy in determining a user's position and orientation, which is significantly more precise than traditional GPS systems used in Pokémon GO. This level of precision allows for more accurate placement and interaction with virtual objects in the real world[1][4][9].
2. Cloud-Based Mapping: VPS relies on a cloud-based system that uses a detailed map of the world, constructed from millions of scans of real-world locations. This map is designed specifically for AR experiences, allowing for more accurate localization of users and persistent AR content[7][9].
3. Six-Degrees-of-Freedom Pose Determination: By determining the six-degrees-of-freedom pose of a device relative to the map, VPS can accurately align virtual objects with real-world locations. This means that users can interact with AR content in a more immersive and realistic way[4][7].
4. Persistent AR Content: VPS enables developers to anchor AR content to specific locations, ensuring that this content persists across different user sessions. This feature enhances the overall AR experience by making it more consistent and engaging[4][9].
5. Real-World Metaverse Integration: By integrating with real-world locations, VPS facilitates the creation of a shared AR environment where users can interact with each other and virtual objects in a seamless manner. This could potentially enhance social features and gameplay in location-based games like Pokémon GO[7][9].
While Pokémon GO currently relies on GPS and other location services for tracking, integrating VPS could significantly improve the game's location accuracy and overall AR experience. However, as of now, VPS is primarily aimed at developers creating new AR experiences rather than directly enhancing existing games like Pokémon GO.
In contrast, Pokémon GO's current location tracking relies on GPS and other location services, which can be less accurate than VPS, especially in urban areas with tall buildings or poor signal strength[5][10]. Improving GPS accuracy in Pokémon GO involves enabling high accuracy mode, ensuring strong internet connectivity, and using additional location data sources[5][10].
In summary, while VPS offers advanced location tracking capabilities that could enhance AR experiences, its direct integration into Pokémon GO is not currently implemented. Instead, VPS serves as a tool for developers to create more precise and immersive AR applications.
Citations:
[1] https://www.vrowl.io/niantic-to-launch-a-world-scale-solution-lightship-visual-positioning-system/
[2] https://ssapostercomp.info/user/images/posters/poster-371.pdf
[3] https://8thwall.com/docs/guides/lightship-vps/
[4] https://lightship.dev/docs/ardk/features/lightship_vps/
[5] https://www.switchbladegaming.com/pokemon-go/best-settings/
[6] https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2024/11/23/niantic-pokemon-go-data-ai-map/76488340007/
[7] https://nianticlabs.com/news/lightshipsummit/?hl=en
[8] https://techcabal.com/2024/12/16/easy-ways-to-fix-the-pokemon-go-no-gps-signal-found/
[9] https://lightship.dev/products/vps/
[10] https://niantic.helpshift.com/hc/en/6-pokemon-go/faq/2520-gps-troubleshooting-guide/