Geo AR: Location-based Augmented Reality Use Cases and How-to

Eva Triantafillopoulou

Location-based augmented reality allows developers to attach interactive and useful digital content to geo-based markers. Continue reading to learn how Geo AR is used, review its technology and origins, gain access to free SDK trial links, and follow geographic-based AR sample instructions.

  • Geo AR Use Cases
  • Location-based augmented reality technology
  • Download AR SDK (free trial)
  • How-to Geo AR: sample instructions

Geo AR Use Cases

Wikitude has been developing augmented reality technology since 2008 and is responsible for having launched the world’s first pedestrian and car navigation system that integrated an AR display – eliminating the need for a map.

Launched over a decade ago, it was awarded multiple times for being a “revolutionary step forward” in the navigation and guidance field.


Even though augmented reality has been around for quite a while (with its first recorded conceptual thoughts dating back to 1901), it was a Geo AR location-based mobile game that put the technology on the map in 2016.

Ever heard of Pokémon GO?


Pokémon Go is not only a big hit in the AR community; it‌ ‌is actually one of the most successful mobile games ever created.

Players across the globe use the app to discover digital Pokémons attached to specific points of interest as they explore the world around them. The Pokémon GO Geo AR app broke impressive records taking just 20 days to gross $100 million in revenue after its launch.

The success of Pokémon GO opened doors and incentives to many investments in Geo AR gaming and location-based AR use cases in general. That is why geo-based augmented reality apps can be found in various sectors: entertainment, navigation, retail, tourism, communication, real estate, and more.

Have a Geo AR game idea and need a little push to get started? Learn how to build an app like Pokémon GO in three simple steps.

Geo AR: Location-based Augmented Reality Technology

As seen above, Geo AR technology allows developers to add digital content to geographical points of interest. This means that unlike the typical marker-based AR features – like Image Tracking and Object Tracking, Geo AR does not need a physical target to trigger the AR experience. 

The augmentations are attached to and appear at specific predefined geolocations.

With a smart device, users can scan geographical locations to view or interact with various types of content: 3D augmentations, video, text, audio, links, and more.

The Wikitude AR SDK includes convenient features that make geo-referenced data easy to work with. Depending on the use case, the sensor-based location tracking will be activated via GPS, compass and accelerometer, network, or beacon. 

Download Wikitude AR SDK (free trial)

The best way to get started with Geo AR is by downloading a free Wikitude SDK trial and following the instructions listed in the sample section below.

Click the button to view all downloading options:


Wikitude Geo AR is available on iOS JavaScript, Android JavaScript, Cordova, Xamarin, Flutter, Epson, Vuzix, and via the 3rd party plugins (such as LBAR for Unity, Ionic, or ReactNative).

How-to Geo AR: Sample Instructions

After downloading the Wikitude SDK, the sample instructions will explain how to create and place a marker at specific geolocations. 

The sample is split into four different interconnected sections. At the end of the series, you will have a complete and reusable marker that has a title, a description, a selected and an idle state which animate smoothly from one to another.

For additional SDK information and help, feel free to access our documentation section and forum.

Apart from working with location-based augmented reality, developers can also explore Wikitude’s wide variety of AR features and check the articles below to review other AR features in detail:

For commercial purposes, access our store to choose your package or contact our team to discuss which license is the best match for your AR project.

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