Geofence (geofenced AR)

A geofence is a virtual boundary drawn around a real-world area. When a phone enters it, an app can trigger something: a notification, a reward or, in AR, a piece of art that only appears inside that boundary. Geofences can be as small as a plaza or as large as a city.

Also known as: geofencing, geo-fence, geofenced content, virtual perimeter

A phone showing the illust map with AR placements pinned around a city
The illust map
Placements pinned on a phone map
The illust map of Texas with a pop-up for Archana Aneja's Roots & Reality and a Navigate Here button
A placement on the map
Roots & Reality by Archana Aneja, Texas

How it works

The boundary is usually a radius around a point or a drawn shape. The phone's location (from GPS, Wi-Fi or cell signals) is checked against it; once inside, the content unlocks. Geofences are how location-based AR decides when content is available.

How it works in illust

Every illust World AR placement is geofenced. Geofences can also gate audio, Proof of Presence check-ins and claimable rewards. illust's map is free to geofence; there is no digital land to buy.

Explore AR StudioSee it in action: Texas Eclipse art walks →

Key facts

  • Location games such as Pokemon Go use geofences to trigger local in-game events (Computer Hope).
  • illust geofences can trigger AR scenes, audio and Proof of Presence claims (illust AR Studio).

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FAQ

How big should an AR geofence be?

Big enough to cover GPS error, usually tens of meters outdoors, but small enough that the art still feels tied to the place. For a sculpture in a park, cover the area where you want people standing.

Can a geofence be temporary?

Yes. You can turn an experience off after an event or hide it from the public map.

Related terms

AR scavenger huntAn AR scavenger hunt is a game where players find virtual objects or clues placed at real locations or on images, using their phone camera.

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By Rob McCarty, co-founder of illust · Last updated October 21, 2026