Use this guide to get started with Gaussian Splatting: what it is, and how to activate and capture it, with links to more detailed articles. The main focus here is how to scan successfully, so your Splats data comes out looking its best.
What is Gaussian Splatting?
Gaussian Splatting is a photo-rendering technique that creates photorealistic 3D representations of scanned, real-world environments. It represents each environment as semi-transparent ellipsoids called splats. Each splat stores key visual and spatial properties, including color, opacity, position, scale, and rotation. These properties let the scene appear continuous, detailed, and visually accurate from different viewpoints.
Activating Gaussian Splatting
Gaussian Splatting is only available as a beta version for evaluation. To activate it on your NavVis MLX, register your device using this form. See "Capturing Gaussian Splatting" for more information about activating it in the device.
Getting Splats data
Here's a quick overview of how to get Gaussian Splatting on your site:
On the device, switch on the toggle in the Settings menu.
Scan using the information in this document to achieve accuracy.
When creating a new processing task in NavVis IVION Processing, switch on the toggle for Gaussian Splatting under Reconstruction settings.
In NavVis IVION, load your datasets with the GS Ready tag into Dataset Management.
Publish the site as normal.
In the published site, go to the 3D tab and select Splats.
Advantages of Gaussian Splatting
Gaussian Splatting is especially useful when precision and realism matter. It bridges the gap between geometric reconstruction and image-based rendering. This enables smooth, high-quality visualization while preserving fine spatial details and surface features.
Best practices and recommendations when scanning
Use a smooth, steady walking motion when you scan. Scan at multiple heights for better results.
Capture a space from multiple angles for better results. Take more time when you scan a room with GS.
Scan between and around objects.
Capture beneath and behind objects where possible.
Avoid moving people, moving vehicles, and changing lights.
Get close-ups (approximately 0.5 m) for fine details when needed.
Avoid sudden movements while scanning.
Capture extra panoramas manually by using the trigger button on the device handle in low-light conditions. While taking more manual panoramas, remain still for 1-2 seconds before pressing the trigger button.
Recommended scanning times
All scans must be under 15 minutes while Gaussian Splatting is in beta.
Note: If a dataset is longer than 15 minutes, you cannot process it with Gaussian Splatting unless you crop it to 15 minutes. For more information, see Crop datasets before processing.
You can align and optimize multiple datasets together using the Cross-dataset alignment feature. For more information, see Configuring control point settings.
Scanning a room
When scanning a room with Gaussian Splatting switched on, perform correct loop closures, as shown in the following image.
Scanning a central object
When scanning a room with an object in the middle, scan around it and use various heights.
Current beta version known limitations
⚠️ Scans with a longer duration of 15 minutes cannot be processed.
Key notes:
Keep sound enabled (at low volume) during scanning. It provides valuable feedback.
Capture icons are shown for continuously-taken images.
Converting panoramic captures to 360 captures has no effect.