This kinda takes virtual exploration to the next level for those who enjoy walking on Google Maps. Thanks to lileaLab, you can now stroll around Kinosaki Onsen using 3D Gaussian Splatting data imported into Unreal Engine.
The project is hosted online, so you can explore it right from your phone, just click here.
According to the developer, the 3D Gaussian Splatting data was generated from photos and laser scans taken early in the morning using the XGRIDS Lixel K1. Filming took just 15 minutes at 6:30 AM. They also captured the area with the RTC360 and Osmo360, planning to compare those results with the 3DGS images. Those methods took about two hours for scanning and photographing.
This Kinosaki Onsen 3DGS model contains 10 million splats, but the Unreal Engine version uses LoDs and SH3, making it lightweight. “The ability to achieve LoD with Gaussian Splatting is impressive. However, even with this capacity, it’s difficult to read small text, so details can likely be improved by using better scanning techniques or PortalCam.”, commented lileaLab.
lileaLab is a VR/AR/MR enthusiast passionate about digitally archiving physical spaces in 3D. You can check out their X/Twitter page for more. 3D Gaussian Splatting technology offers exciting possibilities for capturing people, places, and scenes and revisiting them anytime you want, much like Azad Balabanian did with his old Toyota 4Runner. Macro photography is also possible: check out this incredible bumblebee scan by Dany Bittel.
AloJapan.com