Announcement of Scaniverse for business Launch
Niantic Spatial has launched "Scaniverse for business," an enhanced 3D scanning app that allows for the creation of 3D models of large areas and objects using smartphones and 360° cameras, with multi-user collaboration features. This new offering, alongside VPS 2.0, aims to provide precise, real-time spatial positioning that is more accurate and reliable than GPS, particularly in challenging environments. It's designed to build a "living world model" that machines can understand, facilitating advanced geospatial AI and robotics.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 19:31
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 11:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 14:13 (243h 12m after Collected)
Niantic Spatial today launched Scaniverse for business, an expanded version of Scaniverse, a scanning app that generates 3D data. While retaining the conventional scanning features, it now enables 3D modeling of large areas and objects using smartphones, a highly requested feature. New functions include integrating data scanned by multiple users to generate a single 3D model, importing data from 360° cameras, and converting generated 3D models into VPS maps. For other new features, please refer to the blog post published today.
For interviews, use of materials, and inquiries, please contact press@nianticspatial.com. For partnership inquiries, please visit this page.
Our blog post published today is as follows:
**Mapping a Machine-Understandable World with the New Scaniverse**
World Models are evolving and accelerating daily, but most are models trained on text and images. To truly operate in the physical world, a different model is needed: one with precise coordinates and geometry that enables navigation of the surrounding environment and is understandable by machines. In a world where 80% of economic activity takes place outside the screens of smartphones and computers, this model is extremely important.
Niantic Spatial is building the foundation for this: a living world model that both humans and machines can interact with. Today, we are very pleased to launch the new Scaniverse for business, which will be the gateway to geospatial AI and Large Geospatial Models.
Capturing space and knowing your precise location within it are two distinct challenges. While many solutions address one or the other, Niantic Spatial solves both. We solve both challenges by creating geometrically accurate, spatially rooted models that allow machines to understand and interact with the physical world.
Niantic Spatial is building the foundation for this: a living world model that both humans and machines can interact with. Today, we are very pleased to launch the new Scaniverse for business, which will be the gateway to geospatial AI and Large Geospatial Models.
Capturing space and knowing your precise location within it are two distinct challenges. While many solutions address one or the other, Niantic Spatial solves both. We solve both challenges by creating geometrically accurate, spatially rooted models that allow machines to understand and interact with the physical world.
**Today's Launch Content**
* **Scaniverse:** New features are now available for capturing diverse 3D spaces, from small to large scale, generating Visual Positioning System (VPS) maps, meshes, and Gaussian Splats, along with a web and mobile-integrated platform. It supports not only smartphones but also various other devices.
* **VPS 2.0:** A precise self-localization function based on visual computing that operates globally without the need for prior scanning. In locations mapped with Scaniverse, it achieves near-centimeter-level 6DoF position estimation. In other areas, especially environments where GPS struggles, it provides stable and highly reliable position information and orientation by correcting GPS errors and interruptions.
The Niantic Spatial Development Kit (NSDK) 4.0, scheduled for release this month, is an integrated SDK compatible with Unity, Swift, Android, and ROS 2, enabling linkage with Scaniverse and VPS 2.0.
**Scaniverse: Entry Point to Services Provided by Niantic Spatial**
Scaniverse is a platform for utilizing geospatial services provided by Niantic Spatial. It enables capturing, uploading data, generating spatial assets, viewing meshes and splats, and self-localization using VPS.
Scaniverse can now capture various physical spaces, from small rooms to vast facilities.
And the only device needed to capture this space is the smartphone many of you already own. With this launch, it is now possible to import and process data from 360° cameras. Expensive specialized shooting equipment or training is not required. We plan to increase the types of supported data in the future, so please look forward to it.
**Smartphone**
The updated Scaniverse app is based on a platform that has been used to scan millions of objects and locations worldwide.
* Multiple outputs from a single scan: Precise VPS maps, high-definition meshes, and splats (3D Gaussian Splatting) can be generated from one (or more) scans within the Scaniverse Viewer.
* Collaboration: Multiple users can add scanned data acquired at different times and with different devices to a shared project. Uploaded data is stored and managed in the cloud, and integrated assets can be generated from it.
* On-device preview: With VPS map previews running on the device, users can immediately check the scanning range and capture quality even in poor communication environments, allowing for easy on-site self-localization testing through the app.
Existing Scaniverse users can continue to use the service as before. For details on business and individual accounts, please refer to the FAQs.
**Web**
At scaniverse.nianticspatial.com, multiple users can upload, manage, and process data. Data can be imported from the Scaniverse App and 360° cameras, and the visualized output of processed data can also be reviewed.
* Vast, complex areas: Data from 360° cameras can be uploaded to reconstruct and visualize large areas such as construction sites, industrial facilities, and urban areas as Gaussian Splats.
* Asset processing and review with Scaniverse Viewer: Generate meshes, splats, and location maps and preview them through Niantic Spatial VPS. VPS support for data from 360° cameras is also coming soon.
* Cross-organizational collaboration: Multiple users can simultaneously access site, scan, and processing statuses, allowing on-site teams, engineers, and operators to always work with the latest shared models.
Generated assets can also be exported in standard 3D formats: meshes as FBX, splats as PLY, and our open-source Gaussian Splat format, SPZ, which is gaining adoption across the industry. Files also support conversion and import into robotics simulators.
**Global VPS for Position Estimation**
GPS, born over 50 years ago, was created for navigation and rough position estimation, but it has been shown to lack sufficient accuracy. In urban canyons with towering buildings, GPS signals reflect off structures, accumulating errors and making it impossible for delivery robots to even know which side of the road they are on. Furthermore, signal jamming and spoofing are increasing security risks.
Niantic Spatial's Visual Positioning System (VPS) uses camera input and advanced computer vision to provide precise position and orientation in real-time. This is an essential technology for robots navigating complex sidewalks, technicians searching for specific valves in oil refineries, AI glasses that understand their surroundings, or aerial drones that cooperate with ground operations.
Niantic Spatial's VPS achieves 6-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) self-localization, providing both position and orientation information within centimeter-level error. This is significantly more accurate than GPS, which typically has an accuracy of 3-5 meters under good conditions, making it suitable for use indoors, underground, and in environments where GPS reception is difficult.
Until now, VPS required pre-scanning locations. VPS 2.0 removes this constraint, expanding coverage globally. It augments GPS, providing 3-degrees-of-freedom (3DoF) self-localization. By leveraging visual context and multiple data sources, it corrects GPS drift and signal loss, providing stable and consistent location information even in areas where GPS alone would be unstable.
These have been integrated into a single system. With Global VPS, stable positioning is possible everywhere, and in the most critical locations, it can seamlessly transition to centimeter-accurate 6DoF positioning.
**Building Geospatial Experiences with NSDK**
By using the Niantic Spatial Development Kit, it is possible to create geospatial applications and experiences leveraging Scaniverse. This month, NSDK 4.0, which supports Swift, Unity, and Native Android, will be publicly released. Additionally, early support for NSDK compatible with ROS 2 (Robot Operating System 2) will begin for customers who request it.
This update enables development in a wide range of programming environments while leveraging existing workflows, such as developing high-performance mobile apps and building complex robotics systems.
**For Whom This Is For**
Scaniverse (business account) and Niantic Spatial VPS are designed for the following uses:
* Robotics OEMs and Operators: Robots can lose their position indoors or in environments where GPS struggles. VPS 2.0 provides continuous and accurate positioning that does not rely solely on GPS.
* Energy, Construction, Logistics: Complex sites are difficult to navigate, leading to delays in inspection and collaboration. Scaniverse's precise mapping allows teams and machines to work based on a common spatial model.
* Public Sector - Recommended for operations in areas where GPS reception is difficult. VPS 2.0 provides reliable position information and orientation even where GPS is unavailable.
* Large Facilities - Scaniverse and VPS enable persistent, location-aware spatial applications.
This update focuses on the Capture, Reconstruct, and Localize aspects of Large Geospatial Models. Later this year, we will provide further updates on a geospatial foundation model for semantic understanding of scenes, a technology that will enable AI not only to navigate the world but also to reason about objects and environments within it.
For interviews, use of materials, and inquiries, please contact press@nianticspatial.com. For partnership inquiries, please visit this page.
Our blog post published today is as follows:
**Mapping a Machine-Understandable World with the New Scaniverse**
World Models are evolving and accelerating daily, but most are models trained on text and images. To truly operate in the physical world, a different model is needed: one with precise coordinates and geometry that enables navigation of the surrounding environment and is understandable by machines. In a world where 80% of economic activity takes place outside the screens of smartphones and computers, this model is extremely important.
Niantic Spatial is building the foundation for this: a living world model that both humans and machines can interact with. Today, we are very pleased to launch the new Scaniverse for business, which will be the gateway to geospatial AI and Large Geospatial Models.
Capturing space and knowing your precise location within it are two distinct challenges. While many solutions address one or the other, Niantic Spatial solves both. We solve both challenges by creating geometrically accurate, spatially rooted models that allow machines to understand and interact with the physical world.
Niantic Spatial is building the foundation for this: a living world model that both humans and machines can interact with. Today, we are very pleased to launch the new Scaniverse for business, which will be the gateway to geospatial AI and Large Geospatial Models.
Capturing space and knowing your precise location within it are two distinct challenges. While many solutions address one or the other, Niantic Spatial solves both. We solve both challenges by creating geometrically accurate, spatially rooted models that allow machines to understand and interact with the physical world.
**Today's Launch Content**
* **Scaniverse:** New features are now available for capturing diverse 3D spaces, from small to large scale, generating Visual Positioning System (VPS) maps, meshes, and Gaussian Splats, along with a web and mobile-integrated platform. It supports not only smartphones but also various other devices.
* **VPS 2.0:** A precise self-localization function based on visual computing that operates globally without the need for prior scanning. In locations mapped with Scaniverse, it achieves near-centimeter-level 6DoF position estimation. In other areas, especially environments where GPS struggles, it provides stable and highly reliable position information and orientation by correcting GPS errors and interruptions.
The Niantic Spatial Development Kit (NSDK) 4.0, scheduled for release this month, is an integrated SDK compatible with Unity, Swift, Android, and ROS 2, enabling linkage with Scaniverse and VPS 2.0.
**Scaniverse: Entry Point to Services Provided by Niantic Spatial**
Scaniverse is a platform for utilizing geospatial services provided by Niantic Spatial. It enables capturing, uploading data, generating spatial assets, viewing meshes and splats, and self-localization using VPS.
Scaniverse can now capture various physical spaces, from small rooms to vast facilities.
And the only device needed to capture this space is the smartphone many of you already own. With this launch, it is now possible to import and process data from 360° cameras. Expensive specialized shooting equipment or training is not required. We plan to increase the types of supported data in the future, so please look forward to it.
**Smartphone**
The updated Scaniverse app is based on a platform that has been used to scan millions of objects and locations worldwide.
* Multiple outputs from a single scan: Precise VPS maps, high-definition meshes, and splats (3D Gaussian Splatting) can be generated from one (or more) scans within the Scaniverse Viewer.
* Collaboration: Multiple users can add scanned data acquired at different times and with different devices to a shared project. Uploaded data is stored and managed in the cloud, and integrated assets can be generated from it.
* On-device preview: With VPS map previews running on the device, users can immediately check the scanning range and capture quality even in poor communication environments, allowing for easy on-site self-localization testing through the app.
Existing Scaniverse users can continue to use the service as before. For details on business and individual accounts, please refer to the FAQs.
**Web**
At scaniverse.nianticspatial.com, multiple users can upload, manage, and process data. Data can be imported from the Scaniverse App and 360° cameras, and the visualized output of processed data can also be reviewed.
* Vast, complex areas: Data from 360° cameras can be uploaded to reconstruct and visualize large areas such as construction sites, industrial facilities, and urban areas as Gaussian Splats.
* Asset processing and review with Scaniverse Viewer: Generate meshes, splats, and location maps and preview them through Niantic Spatial VPS. VPS support for data from 360° cameras is also coming soon.
* Cross-organizational collaboration: Multiple users can simultaneously access site, scan, and processing statuses, allowing on-site teams, engineers, and operators to always work with the latest shared models.
Generated assets can also be exported in standard 3D formats: meshes as FBX, splats as PLY, and our open-source Gaussian Splat format, SPZ, which is gaining adoption across the industry. Files also support conversion and import into robotics simulators.
**Global VPS for Position Estimation**
GPS, born over 50 years ago, was created for navigation and rough position estimation, but it has been shown to lack sufficient accuracy. In urban canyons with towering buildings, GPS signals reflect off structures, accumulating errors and making it impossible for delivery robots to even know which side of the road they are on. Furthermore, signal jamming and spoofing are increasing security risks.
Niantic Spatial's Visual Positioning System (VPS) uses camera input and advanced computer vision to provide precise position and orientation in real-time. This is an essential technology for robots navigating complex sidewalks, technicians searching for specific valves in oil refineries, AI glasses that understand their surroundings, or aerial drones that cooperate with ground operations.
Niantic Spatial's VPS achieves 6-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) self-localization, providing both position and orientation information within centimeter-level error. This is significantly more accurate than GPS, which typically has an accuracy of 3-5 meters under good conditions, making it suitable for use indoors, underground, and in environments where GPS reception is difficult.
Until now, VPS required pre-scanning locations. VPS 2.0 removes this constraint, expanding coverage globally. It augments GPS, providing 3-degrees-of-freedom (3DoF) self-localization. By leveraging visual context and multiple data sources, it corrects GPS drift and signal loss, providing stable and consistent location information even in areas where GPS alone would be unstable.
These have been integrated into a single system. With Global VPS, stable positioning is possible everywhere, and in the most critical locations, it can seamlessly transition to centimeter-accurate 6DoF positioning.
**Building Geospatial Experiences with NSDK**
By using the Niantic Spatial Development Kit, it is possible to create geospatial applications and experiences leveraging Scaniverse. This month, NSDK 4.0, which supports Swift, Unity, and Native Android, will be publicly released. Additionally, early support for NSDK compatible with ROS 2 (Robot Operating System 2) will begin for customers who request it.
This update enables development in a wide range of programming environments while leveraging existing workflows, such as developing high-performance mobile apps and building complex robotics systems.
**For Whom This Is For**
Scaniverse (business account) and Niantic Spatial VPS are designed for the following uses:
* Robotics OEMs and Operators: Robots can lose their position indoors or in environments where GPS struggles. VPS 2.0 provides continuous and accurate positioning that does not rely solely on GPS.
* Energy, Construction, Logistics: Complex sites are difficult to navigate, leading to delays in inspection and collaboration. Scaniverse's precise mapping allows teams and machines to work based on a common spatial model.
* Public Sector - Recommended for operations in areas where GPS reception is difficult. VPS 2.0 provides reliable position information and orientation even where GPS is unavailable.
* Large Facilities - Scaniverse and VPS enable persistent, location-aware spatial applications.
This update focuses on the Capture, Reconstruct, and Localize aspects of Large Geospatial Models. Later this year, we will provide further updates on a geospatial foundation model for semantic understanding of scenes, a technology that will enable AI not only to navigate the world but also to reason about objects and environments within it.