Abstract: A system for providing an image-referenced virtual collaborative environment contains a server in communication with at least a first client device and a second client device, wherein the server comprises a memory and a processor. The processor is configured by the memory to perform the steps of: extracting properties of a vector object, where the vector object is the result of a modification to a first background image performed by a first user on the first client device; placing the extracted properties of the vector object into a feature message; sending the feature message onto a specific topic on a message bus; delivering the feature message to a second user using the second client device; extracting data from the feature message; and rendering, in real time, the vector object on a second background image viewed by the second user via the second client device.