Google launches new AR tool to visualise social distancing rules

We’re all adjusting to a new, socially distant way of life. 

Here to help with that is a new tool from Google that uses augmented reality (AR) to help you visualise social distancing restrictions.

Sodar is the name of this new experimental tool, brought to use by Experiments with Google. The tool uses WebXR to create a six-foot or two-metre radius ring around you using your phone screen. 

Sodar is only available to Android device users. To get started, scan the QR code to go to the mobile site. You can also go to and it will launch on your phone. 

Once you’ve done that, you simply need to point your phone camera downwards, and move it around to find the ground. The measuring tool should then appear. 

There is some discussion around the two-metre distance rule. The World Health Organisation says a distance of one metre is safe, but the UK government has opted for a two-metre rule for the time being. 

Shortly before accessing the mobile site, a pop-up should appear with some information about privacy. “While you’re in AR, this site may be able to: create a 3D map of your environment; track camera motion,” reads the popup. “Only you can see what your camera is looking at. The site can’t see your camera’s images.”

Now there’s no excuse for standing too close.