What is Gaussian Splatting?
Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) is a revolutionary approach to 3D scene representation that has taken the computer graphics world by storm. Unlike traditional mesh-based representations or Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs), Gaussian Splatting uses millions of tiny 3D gaussian primitives to create photorealistic, real-time renderable 3D scenes.
Why Choose Gaussian Splatting?
There are several compelling reasons to adopt Gaussian Splatting for your 3D visualization needs:
- Real-time Rendering: Unlike NeRFs which require expensive ray marching, splats can be rendered in real-time on consumer hardware
- Photorealistic Quality: Achieve stunning visual fidelity that rivals or exceeds traditional photogrammetry
- Efficient Storage: Splat files are typically smaller than equivalent mesh representations
- Easy Editing: Individual splats can be edited, moved, or removed
Getting Started
Step 1: Capture Your Scene
The first step in creating a Gaussian Splat is capturing images of your scene. Here are some best practices:
- Use 50-200 images for optimal coverage
- Maintain 60-80% overlap between consecutive images
- Avoid motion blur and ensure consistent lighting
- Capture from multiple angles and heights
Step 2: Process Your Images
Once you have your images, you'll need to process them through a Gaussian Splatting pipeline. Popular options include:
- 3D Gaussian Splatting (original implementation)
- Nerfstudio with gsplat
- Commercial solutions like Polycam or Luma AI
Step 3: Upload to Splat Labs
After processing, upload your .ply or .splat file to Splat Labs:
1. Sign in to your Splat Labs account
2. Click "Upload" and select your file
3. Wait for processing (usually under 5 minutes)
4. Share your splat with anyone!
Advanced Techniques
Optimizing File Size
Large splat files can be challenging to share and view. Here are some optimization strategies:
- Prune low-opacity splats that don't contribute to the scene
- Reduce precision of position and color values where acceptable
- Use compression tools designed for splat files
Combining with LiDAR
For high-fidelity capture, consider combining Gaussian Splatting with LiDAR data:
"The combination of LiDAR data with Gaussian Splat visual fidelity creates the best of both worlds for professional applications."
— ROCK Robotic Engineering Team
Common Use Cases
Gaussian Splatting has found applications across many industries:
| Industry | Use Case | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | Virtual tours | Immersive property viewing |
| Construction | Progress documentation | 4D timeline visualization |
| Heritage | Site preservation | Photorealistic digital twins |
| Entertainment | Film pre-visualization | Rapid scene iteration |
Next Steps
Now that you understand the basics of Gaussian Splatting, here are some resources to continue your journey:
- Explore our Pricing Plans for professional features
- Check out our Case Studies to see real-world applications
- Join our community on Discord for tips and support
Ready to create your first splat? Get started for free today!