Learn

Augmented Reality (AR) makes digital objects appear as if they are a part of the space in front of you. Think Pokémon GO or the batting info that appears on the TV screen during a baseball game. These are Augmented Reality.

Experience Commons is a website where anyone can learn how to create an AR object, scan 3D models and share them with other enthusiasts. This project is a partnership with the City of Hamilton Parks and Cemeteries, Hamilton Civic Museums and Hamilton Public Library. It also offers training for those who want to learn how to view and create AR objects and experiences or create and scan 3D models.

It’s a terrific way to learn about the City, which turns 175 in 2021, and learn a modern technology that’s fun and has many practical uses. The Commons side is all about sharing projects, learning from others and building on that knowledge together.

AR can be enjoyed on most modern smartphones or tablets. You can also view 3D models on laptops and desktop computers. Experience Commons is your portal into a variety of experiences created by and for Hamiltonians.

For assistance, please use the chat feature on hpl.ca, email ASKHPL@hpl.ca, or call 905-546-3200 during HPL branch open hours.

The Crystal Palace Experience launch is at the Locke Branch (285 Locke St., S.) on August 14, 2021, 11am-3pm. The Experience includes a virtual “indoor” exhibit that highlights the Palace’s military, social and commercial uses. You can also learn more at Hamilton Public Library’s Local History & Archives.

Detailed instructions on how to create AR models or experiences can be viewed on Experience Commons.

Yes. Subscribe to our monthly events newsletter for program information, watch tutorials on HPL’s YouTube channel and read how-to lessons on Experience Commons.

Experience Commons has a dedicated WeTransfer portal where you can upload your 3D models and Augmented Reality experiences.

Experience Commons is a permanent part of HPL.

No. It’s free, like all HPL programs and services. Need a library card? Get one at hpl.ca/online-registration.

Yes, to both options. AR can be created on your own or with a team. It’s up to you. Be sure to tag #HamOnt175 and #PastPresentFuture; we’d love to see your 3D creations.

Yes.

It depends on what you want to create. If you want to create AR models by scanning real objects, we suggest Apple apps, Trnio and Polycam. Both are available on the iOS app store. We will have licenses for Shapr3D which will allow you to model AR objects in 3D. There are also introductory tutorials to this software on Experience Commons.

You can browse and explore any scans on any device. To explore the Experiences, use an iPad or iPhone. Need to borrow a device? Contact HPL.

HPL loans iPads and devices to Members in good standing at any of our 23 branches and Bookmobile. Please use the chat feature on hpl.ca, email ASKHPL@hpl.ca, or call 905-546-3200 during HPL branch open hours.

No. But getting a free library card opens a world of discovery at any age.

The Crystal Palace is part of Hamilton’s history and allowed us to demonstrate how AR can be used to bring lost buildings and artifacts into present day. The 3D models we’ve collected are artifacts and interesting sites around the City. Please contribute to the Experience Commons collections.

Yes. You can register your class for a visit by filling out the Library Visit Request Form.

We hope the Hamilton community will help us grow the collection.

The AR experiences have accessibility components including audio and plain text tours and instructions.