In addition to powerful journalism stories, the Fall 2018 JOVRNALISM course explored photogrammetry and videogrammetry technology during the semester, in hopes of producing augmented reality experiences.

The first step in the process is to produce 3D assets, which is difficult and expensive if you are not a 3D artist. And, even then, the results are an artist’s interpretation of a real place.

Photogrammetry is technology that uses photographs of a static room or object to create a non-fiction, 3D model (aka the real thing, not an artist interpretation). And thanks to the support of Capturing Reality, which gave us temporary licenses, the JOVRNALISM class used this tech to produce unique experiences.

The next challenge is distribution. How do we get these amazing 3D models into the hands (and spaces) of the general public to create AR experiences?

The most common way to tackle this issue is to create a custom app for these experiences, but the necessary resources (especially the cost) was way outside of our scope.

To overcome that challenge we decided to produce for the Snapchat app, through their Lens Studio platform. People are more likely to have Snapchat rather than download our custom app plus to develop lenses is free.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges.

To be published on the platform optimized for mobile devices, the lenses have to be smaller than 4 megabytes.

That means the typically extremely large 3D models and 360 videos files have to be reduced and optimized to work within Snapchats strict file limitations.

Somehow the students did it.

The final challenge is how to edit and design the experience around a new technology and experience most people haven’t used before.

Here is a quick recording launching and demonstrating one of the AR experiences:

To see our diverse experiences, launch the Snapchat app and scan each Snapcode below.

Jennifer’s Tent: Place her Echo Park tent into your reality and interact with audio hot spots. Also step inside the tent to see the inside. Read story

Angela’s Car: Bring Angela’s “Big Jimi Red” from the streets of Venice Beach to you. Explore her home, inside and out. Read story

Tabia’s Art: Take a closer look at Queen Mama Tabia’s tissue art she discusses in her story. Read story

Mike’s Cart: Students met Mike pulling his makeshift cart at Echo Park. He’ll give you a tour of what he’s built from found parts.

How to unlock and use Snapchat Lenses