The era of augmented reality (AR) content layered on top of the physical world is here and will soon become the default way in which we consume digital content. Recent advances in platforms from tech giants such as Google, and hardware advancements from Snap and Meta in smart glasses technology mean property owners need to ensure they act now to protect their assets and take advantage of the opportunities AR can bring.
In this blog, we will help explain the technologies and what property owners can do.
AR Technology: Anchoring AR Content in Real-World Locations
Leading technology companies like Google, Niantic, and Snap are investing in platforms that place digital content directly onto physical locations. Platforms such as Google’s Geospatial API and Niantic’s Lightship allow for real-time data from GPS, Street View, and other geolocation sources, to anchor digital content to real-world locations. This means users can overlay interactive 3D models, information, and experiences directly onto properties, with content such as immersive advertising to navigation and cultural engagement.
This technology presents both an enormous opportunity and a pressing challenge for property owners, who must act now to protect their property from unwanted content, as well as ensuring they can capitalise on this digital frontier.
AR Glasses: Viewing the Physical World as the Canvas for Digital Content
The AR ecosystem has rapidly evolved in hardware too, with over 1.4 billion people already using AR through their mobile phones monthly. However, now AR glasses are at the forefront of this transition, enabling users to view and interact with digital content in our everyday environment. Snap’s Spectacles and Meta’s Orion smart glasses are prime examples of wearables that allow consumers to view digital content layered onto the physical world. It’s predicted that they will replace our reliance on smartphones, offering users a hands-free, immersive experience.
This shift from mobile screens to smart glasses means that physical spaces—buildings, streets, parks, and other properties— is now prime real estate for digital content. From advertising to interactive experiences, AR glasses will soon make it possible for anyone to overlay content onto any location.
Due to these updates in hardware, and technology platforms, property owners now face the pressing need to ensure they can control, manage, and monetise their Property Digital Rights (PDRs) that link their real-world locations to digital content.
How Property Owners Can Protect Properties and Monetise AR Content
As the adoption of AR technology supports creating, placing and viewing AR content on the physical world means property owners must claim their PDRs to protect their assets from unwanted or unregulated content. Similar to how outdoor advertising is controlled today, AR content layered on the physical world requires consent from property owners. Without taking action, property owners risk their spaces being used for unapproved advertising or content that may harm their brand or reduce the value of their property.
We’re a leader in the AR technology space, so fully understand the importance of property owners being able to take control of their assets. By registering their property with Darabase’s Property Registry platform, owners can not only protect their physical locations from unwanted AR content but also open up new revenue streams by allowing commercial content in a controlled, brand-safe manner.
Unlocking New Opportunities Through AR
The AR Advertising market is expected to generate revenue of $5.2 billion by the end of 2024, and is expected to grow exponentially as AR glasses and platforms become more widespread. Property owners can integrate AR experiences into their own properties providing innovative ways to engage visitors, shoppers, and tenants. Whether through interactive retail promotions, branded experiences, or virtual tours, property owners have the potential to enrich their locations with immersive content that enhances visitor experience and drives engagement.
Seize the Opportunity Now
The AR revolution is here. Property owners must act now to establish their digital rights, protect their assets, and take advantage of the opportunities presented by this rapidly growing technology. By taking proactive steps and partnering with Darabase, they can control the AR content layered on their properties and unlock significant new revenue streams in the evolving digital landscape.
Darabase is a trusted partner of the Historic Royal Palaces, Grosvenor, Aldar, the city of Chicago and many other innovative industry leaders, and have collaborated with them to create effective location-based immersive content, protect their assets and leverage opportunities in the AR technology space. They offer the tools and expertise to help property owners navigate this shift, providing the means to claim, control, and commercialise their digital assets. The digital world is being layered over the physical world as we speak—take action today to secure your property portfolio by getting in touch with us now.
