Aurora Augmented City WebAR Guide

Scan. Explore. Experience Downtown Aurora — No App Download Required.

Aurora Augmented is now accessed through QR WebAR. Visitors do not need to download an app or create an account. Simply scan a DACARC QR code with a phone camera to launch interactive augmented-reality experiences in the browser.

What You Need

• A smartphone with a camera
• Internet connection: cellular data or Wi-Fi
• Chrome on Android or Safari on iPhone
• Camera permission enabled
• Location permission enabled for map and nearby-trail features

Step 1 — Find a DACARC QR Code

Look for DACARC QR codes on:

• Downtown storefront windows
• AR posters and murals
• Event flyers and signs
• Public-art installations
• Cultural Arts District locations
• Vendor booths and community events
• AR apparel, cards, and promotional displays

On-screen / printed instruction:

Open your phone camera and scan the QR code to bring Downtown Aurora to life.

Screenshot description:
A visitor holds a phone toward a DACARC poster. The phone camera recognizes the QR code and displays a link such as:
“Open Aurora Augmented Experience.”

Step 2 — Scan the Code With Your Phone Camera

1. Open the regular Camera app on your phone.
2. Point the camera at the QR code.
3. Wait for the website notification to appear.
4. Tap the notification or link.

The DACARC WebAR experience opens in your mobile browser.

Important: You do not need to search the App Store or Google Play.

Screenshot description:
Phone camera screen with a QR code centered in the viewfinder and a pop-up link at the top:
Open dacarc.org

Step 3 — Choose Your Experience

After the QR code opens, the Aurora Augmented welcome screen should provide three main choices:

Suggested welcome message:

Welcome to the Downtown Aurora Colorado Augmented Reality City. Scan, explore, and discover digital stories across Downtown Aurora.

Screenshot description:
A futuristic mobile landing page with the DACARC logo and three large buttons:
Launch AR, Trail Map, and Events.

Step 4 — Allow Camera Access for AR

When you select Launch AR Experience, your browser may ask to use the phone camera.

1. Press Allow or Allow While Using App.
2. Keep your phone steady.
3. Point your camera at the AR poster, artwork, mural, marker, or target image.
4. Wait a few seconds for the experience to load.

The AR scene may include:

• Animated characters
• Short films and video scenes
• 3D buildings, objects, and landmarks
• Historical storytelling
• Youth-created digital art
• Business promotions and menus
• Digital murals and public art
• Interactive buttons, sound, or links

Screenshot description:
The camera shows a real Downtown Aurora mural. On the phone screen, a 3D character appears to stand in front of the mural while an animated title and “Tap to Learn More” button float above it.

Step 5 — Interact With the AR Scene

Once the AR content appears, visitors can interact with it.

1. Move closer or farther away to view the scene.
2. Turn the phone sideways for a wider view when instructed.
3. Tap buttons that appear on the screen.
4. Use headphones when sound or narration is available.
5. Tap Learn More, Visit Business, Watch Full Video, or Next Stop when available.

Some experiences may launch immediately after scanning the QR code. Others use image recognition and require you to point the camera at a poster, mural, or designated AR marker.

Visitor tip:

Keep the poster, mural, or target image fully visible on your screen until the animation starts.

Step 6 — Use the Downtown Aurora AR Trail Map

The AR Trail Map helps visitors find participating locations across Downtown Aurora, including East Colfax Avenue, the Cultural Arts District, storefronts, murals, public spaces, businesses, and event sites.

1. From the DACARC welcome page, tap Explore the AR Trail Map.
2. Allow location access when prompted.
3. Select a nearby location or trail stop.
4. Tap Directions to open walking or driving navigation.
5. Visit the location and scan its QR code or AR marker.
6. Return to the map to continue to the next stop.

Trail-map categories can include:

• Public Art & Murals
• Historic Aurora Stories
• Local Business AR Experiences
• Youth Art and Digital Storytelling
• Events and Community Activations
• Food, Shopping, and Merchant Offers
• VRLogos and DACARC Featured Experiences

Screenshot description:
A map of Downtown Aurora with location pins. Each pin includes a title, image, walking distance, and buttons for Directions and Launch Experience.

Suggested map prompt:

You are 0.2 miles from the next Aurora Augmented experience.

Step 7 — Find Events and Activities

To access event information:

1. Open the DACARC QR landing page.
2. Tap Events.
3. Browse upcoming dates, locations, and featured experiences.
4. Select an event for details.
5. Use the event page to get directions, save the date, share the event, or launch event-specific AR content.

Event listings can include:

• AR Downtown Discovery Days
• Public-art walks
• Youth AR poster showcases
• Digital art exhibitions
• VRLogos immersive demonstrations
• The Biz Nests founder and business events
• Merchant promotions
• Community performances and cultural celebrations
• Pop-up AR installations and vendor experiences

Screenshot description:
An event calendar screen with event cards showing a poster image, title, date, time, address, “Get Directions,” and “Launch AR” buttons.

Step 8 — Share the Experience

After viewing an AR experience, visitors can:

• Take photos or screen recordings
• Share the QR code with friends
• Post their experience on social media
• Tag DACARC, Aurora Downtown Augmented City Project, or participating businesses
• Visit another stop on the AR trail
• Return for seasonal content updates and new events

Suggested closing message:

Downtown Aurora is more than a place to visit. It is a city of stories, art, businesses, and experiences waiting to come alive through your phone.

Quick Visitor Instructions for Posters

SCAN TO SEE DOWNTOWN AURORA IN AR

1. Open your phone camera.
2. Scan the QR code.
3. Tap the DACARC link.
4. Allow camera access.
5. Point your phone at the artwork or AR marker.
6. Watch Downtown Aurora come to life.
7. Tap Trail Map to discover the next location.

No download. No account. Just scan and explore.