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We recently heard an insightful presentation on this topic at INNOMIZE's Tech Day, showcasing how Gaussian splatting is revolutionizing how we create and interact with 3D models. In this post, we’ll explore the key concepts, applications, and practical steps discussed during the event, as well as why this technique matters for developers and designers.

### What is a 3D Model?
A 3D model is a digital representation of an object, environment, or structure in three dimensions. It defines the geometry, texture, and sometimes physical properties of an object, enabling it to be visualized and interacted with in a virtual space.

3D models are used in various fields, from game development and animation to engineering, architecture, and medical simulations.

#### Storing 3D Models: Voxels vs. Polygon Meshes

1. **Voxel Grid**

Voxels, or volumetric pixels, are 3D cubes representing the object's volume. Think of it as a 3D grid where each cell (voxel) contains data like color or density.

- **Pros:**

Simplicity in representation.

Suitable for applications needing volumetric data, like medical imaging or 3D printing.

- **Cons:**

Requires significant memory for high resolutions.

Challenging to represent smooth surfaces.

2. **Polygon Meshes**

Polygon meshes use vertices, edges, and faces (usually triangles) to represent an object's surface.

- **Pros:**

Efficient in memory usage.

Excellent for rendering smooth and detailed surfaces.

- **Cons:**

Complex to modify or analyze.

Not suitable for representing volumetric data.


### What is Gaussian Splat?

Gaussian splatting is a method of representing 3D data using a collection of overlapping Gaussian functions. These functions encode the appearance and geometry of a scene or object.

1. **How Gaussian Splat is Stored**

Gaussian splats are typically represented as **point clouds**, where each point corresponds to a Gaussian blob in 3D space. The data for each point includes position, radius, and color, along with other optional parameters like transparency or orientation.


2. **Data Structure of a Gaussian Splat**

A single Gaussian splat is stored as a structured dataset containing:

- **Position:** Coordinates (x, y, z) in 3D space.

- **Color:** RGB values for rendering.

- **Radius:** Size of the Gaussian function.

- **Optional:** Opacity or other properties for enhanced effects.



3. **Comparison: Gaussian Splats vs. Voxels vs. Meshes**

- **Memory Efficiency:** Gaussian splats are more compact than voxels but less efficient than optimized polygon meshes.

- **Detail Representation:** Excellent for smooth and continuous objects but less precise than meshes for hard edges.

- **Ease of Use:** Easier to generate and modify than meshes; doesn’t require grid alignment like voxels.


4. **Pros vs. Cons of Gaussian Splats**

- **Pros:**

Compact representation.

Naturally anti-aliased and smooth.

Suitable for scenes with soft gradients or organic shapes.

- **Cons:**

Limited precision for sharp edges.

Specialized rendering engines needed.

**Gaussian splats** are ***best*** used in scenarios like virtual reality, visualization of organic forms, or real-time applications where smooth and efficient rendering is crucial.


### How to Generate a Gaussian Splat Model

Generating a Gaussian splat model involves three primary steps:

1. **Capture Video or Photos**
Capturing accurate input data is critical for a good result. Follow these guidelines:

- Avoid moving objects, inconsistent lighting, and shadows.

- Ensure sufficient video length and a high frame rate.

- Use a consistent focal length, exposure, and white balance.

- Capture from multiple angles while keeping the camera moving.

- Avoid motion blur or out-of-focus frames.

2. **Train the Model**

- **Download and Install the Training Tool:** Find tools like PostShot.

- **Register an Account:** Follow the tool’s setup instructions.

- **Import Images or Videos:** Load your captured data.

- **Configure Settings:** Adjust for resolution and rendering quality.

- **Export to .fly File:** After processing, the trained model is saved in a format like `.fly.`

3. **Convert to Gaussian Splat Format**

- Clone the repository antimatter15/splat.

- Install Python (if not already installed).

Run the command: 
bash 
Copy code `python convert.py input.ply  `

- The output is a `.splat` file ready for visualization.

### Displaying a Gaussian Splat Model in Three.js

1. **What is Three.js?**

Three.js is a JavaScript library that makes creating 3D experiences on the web straightforward. Its extensions, **React Three Fiber** (React bindings for Three.js) and **React Three Drei** (utility components), simplify development.

2. **Steps to Display Gaussian Splat**

- **Initialize the Project**

```sh
npx create-react-app gaussian-splat-viewer  
cd gaussian-splat-viewer  
npm install three @react-three/fiber @react-three/drei
```

=> **1. Import the Gaussian Splat File**

Place the `output.splat` file in the `public` folder of your project.

- **Set Up the Scene**

In your main React component:

```typescript
import React from 'react';  
import { Canvas } from '@react-three/fiber';  
import { Splat } from '@react-three/drei';  

const App = () => {  
  return (  
    <Canvas>  
      <ambientLight intensity={0.5} />  
      <perspectiveCamera makeDefault position={[0, 0, 5]} />  
      <Splat url="/output.splat" />  
    </Canvas>  
  );  
};  

export default App;
```

 => **2. Enhance the SceneAdd lights, camera controls, and further customization to make the visualization interactive.**

 => **3. Notes
Ensure the .splat loader is properly configured in your dependencies.
Optimize the file for better performance in real-time applications.**

 **4. Final Code**

```typescript
import React from 'react';  
import { Canvas } from '@react-three/fiber';  
import { Splat } from '@react-three/drei';  

const App = () => (  
  <Canvas>  
    <ambientLight intensity={0.5} />  
    <perspectiveCamera makeDefault position={[0, 0, 5]} />  
    <Splat url="/output.splat" />  
  </Canvas>  
);  
export default App; 
```

Gaussian splatting is a cutting-edge technology with unique applications, offering smooth, efficient, and organic representations for 3D models. Whether you're a researcher, developer, or enthusiast, it provides a fascinating approach to 3D modeling.


Exploring 3D Modeling with Gaussian Splat: A New Frontier in Visual Development

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