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GeoSplats
📦 GeoSplats SDK 🧩 Code examples 📖 Reference
GeoSplats make it possible to build photorealistic 3D maps. Based on Gaussian splatting, the technology uses a collection of tiny ellipsoids (“splats”) to create detailed 3D models of anything, from a small object to an entire city.
Splats support size, color, transparency, and other properties. This makes them well suited for capturing complex scenes including details like vegetation, thin wires, or transparent surfaces.
Example of a GeoSplats model on a map
From raw data to 3D map
To get your own GeoSplats model into a web map, you upload a raw splat file, place it on the map in our visual 3D Editor, and then add it to your app with the GeoSplats SDK.
Step 1: Prepare input file
3D Editor supports models in the standard Gaussian splats .ply format. If you don’t have your own splat model or data for it, see:
- How to capture a scene with a drone for instructions on how to fly the drone to get quality input data for your splat model
- How to prepare the splat model for the general steps required before uploading your model
Step 2: Upload input file
When you have your splats PLY file ready 👉 upload it here.
If you prefer the command line or a JS library over visual interface, check out other ways to upload your file.
Warning
A PLY file can contain either Gaussian splats or point clouds. We support only Gaussian splats, NOT point clouds. The splats must be uncompressed.
The uploaded file is automatically processed into a web-optimized splat model. This may take anywhere from minutes to hours, depending on model size and complexity. During processing, you can find your file on page Tiles, section Incomplete uploads.
Step 3: Edit splat model
When the upload processing is finished, your splat model is optimized and web-ready, but not yet map-ready. You need to specify where on the map it should appear and in what size. Use the 3D Editor for the job:
- Georeference your model: Assign a precise geographic location. This is mandatory for adding the model into a map.
- Transform the geometry: Rotate the model along any axis and adjust its scale to fit accurately in the basemap.
To open your model in 3D Editor, click on your splats file and then on Edit model. 👉 How to edit and georeference your splat model
Step 4: Add model to map
After georeferencing, your model is fully ready and you can integrate it into your web map application using GeoSplats SDK. 👉 How to add your splat model to a map