This page concerns the Vuforia Engine API version 9.8 and earlier. It has been deprecated and will no longer be actively updated.
The Area Target Generator (ATG) is a Vuforia developed desktop tool that takes a 3D scanned model as input and generates an Area Target dataset in Unity and native formats. During the generation, the ATG extracts necessary data to support relocalization within the actual space scanned. Additionally, data structures are created as a representation of your space for visual authoring, occlusion, and collision simulation.
Installing the Area Target Generator
Minimum System Requirements:
- The Area Target Generator is supported on Windows and macOS. Please see the table on Supported Versions for more details.
Get the ATG tool for your operating system from: https://developer.vuforia.com/downloads/tool.
The ATG is linked to your developer account and can be used after you log in with your developer credentials. When working with Matterport™ scans, the tool will use your API tokens to access your scan data. For easy access over multiple ATG launches, the credentials can be stored in the Windows credential store or the macOS Keychain by checking the Remember me box. The credentials will be removed again if you select Sign Out from the home screen.
For Windows
- Unpack the archive, open the downloaded installer and choose whether to install for one or all accounts and, thereafter, select the directory to install the Area Target Generator to. A shortcut is automatically created on your desktop when the installation is complete.
For macOS
- Unpack the archive, open the downloaded installer and drag the installer file to the Applications folder to install the tool. For repeated use, you can create a shortcut on your desktop or pin the app to the start-menu.
Area Target Generator Interface
The Area Target Generator is very similar in appearance to the Model Target Generator. However, they are purposed for two different target types and can therefore not be used as a substitution of one another.
When you first launch the desktop tool, you will be asked to log in with your Vuforia Developer credentials, you can check the Remember me box to skip this step in the future. To begin with, your Vuforia Developer account will have a quota of 10 Area Targets. Additional quota can be acquired through licensing. Please see the Vuforia Pricing page for more information.
NOTE: If you are facing connection issues or receiving a ‘Service is not available. Please try again later.’ when using the desktop ATG application while in your enterprise environment, please get in touch with Technical Support for assistance.
In the top left, new Area Targets can be created. Select between Matterport™ scans or E57 Data files.
Creating Area Targets from Matterport™ scans require the use of a Matterport™ API token pair. For instructions on scanning with Matterport™ supported scanners, please consult our Scanning Guide Using Matterport™ or visit Matterport’s own Guide. The ATG creates Area Targets from Matterport™ scans by directly retrieving the necessary data from the purchased MatterPak™ with the use of the API tokens. It is not required to manually download the MatterPak™ bundle.
Creating Area Targets from E57 Data files, require scans from one of the supported scanners available on the Area Targets overview page. For a guide to import E57 data, please see How to Create an Area Target.
The top right panel has buttons for User Guides, Support, and Sign out. By signing out, you release the stored Vuforia and Matterport™ access details (if any) and close the ATG. You will be required to input valid credentials on the next application launch.
Continue to How to Create Area Targets for a step-by-step guide on importing scanned spaces and generating Area Targets in the ATG.
Using the Output Files
The ATG generates a Vuforia dataset for native development in *.dat and *.xml formats and a number of other assets, also packaged as a *.unitypackage file. The Unity dataset package contains in addition to the tracking dataset additional files representing the 3D geometry of the scanned model that can be used in the Unity Editor to author augmentations into the environments and realistically occlude your AR content in the scanned environment. See Using Area Targets in Unity and Area Targets Native Workflow for guidance on importing the dataset into your project environment.