3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) is a modern rendering technique that transforms a set of 2D images into a highly realistic and interactive 3D scene. Instead of reconstructing geometry through mesh modelling or volume estimation, 3DGS directly represents the scene using thousands—or millions of "Gaussian splats" placed in 3D space.
Each splat stores colour, transparency, size, and orientation, enabling extremely smooth rendering of fine details, lighting effects, and depth cues. The splats are optimized based on camera viewpoints and image consistency, allowing for real-time rendering of novel perspectives with exceptional visual fidelity.
Traditional photogrammetry can be slow, complex to set up, and struggles with reflective surfaces, lighting variation, and outdoor conditions. It also depends heavily on dense mesh reconstruction, which can limit visual quality and realism.
3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) offers a faster, more flexible alternative. It captures fine detail, soft lighting, and transparency more accurately—without needing a heavy mesh. 3DGS enables real-time rendering and works reliably with fewer cameras, making it ideal for dynamic environments and wireless capture systems like Nephelie’s.
The result: smoother workflows, more realistic 3D models, and greater versatility across both indoor and outdoor use cases.