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After Point Clouds, Is 3DGS Next? Interview Video with WAN President and CEO Ayumu Mitani Released
A developer's in-depth look at how 3DGS (Gaussian Splatting) differs from point clouds, how it works with BIM, and the fields where it may be used next
DATA WORLD, a media outlet covering data and AI, has published an interview video (about 22 minutes, in Japanese) and an article featuring Ayumu Mitani, President and CEO of World Area Networks Co., Ltd. (WAN). Speaking as the developer of the 3DGS viewer Machica, he explains 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS), which reproduces photo-like 3D spaces, focusing on how it differs from point clouds and how it can be used on construction sites.
01Photo-like 3DGS changes how construction sites are communicatedUsing site data with the 3DGS viewer Machica, and integrating it with point clouds and BIM/CIM
How 3DGS (Gaussian Splatting) differs from point clouds
Point clouds have been used for purposes such as measuring distances without visiting the site. However, when viewed up close, the gaps between the points become noticeable, making objects hard to identify. Because 3DGS reproduces a site with a near-photographic appearance, it makes site conditions easier to share with stakeholders who do not have specialist knowledge. The video also explains how to capture the footage and how to think about accuracy when measuring distances.
A viewer for using 3DGS in business
While various methods for creating 3DGS are being tested, Mitani points out that software for putting the resulting data to use in business is not yet well developed. This issue is what led WAN to develop Machica. The video introduces how it works: the data can be viewed with just a web browser, and anyone who receives the shared URL can view it free of charge.
Overlaying 3DGS and BIM precisely using coordinates
If both the 3DGS and the design data (BIM/CIM) contain survey coordinates, simply loading them places the data in the correct position. The video also shows design data being placed on the actual screen.
Future applications of 3DGS
In addition to construction and civil engineering, Mitani discusses potential uses in real estate, tourism, games, and video production. Drawing on his background in video production, he describes a use that reflects his own experience, "reshooting from a different angle inside the 3DGS after filming," and also covers 3DGS that can record changes over time.
The DATA WORLD article also summarizes the interview section by section. We encourage you to read it alongside the video.
For a detailed explanation of how 3DGS works and how to choose between it and point clouds, see What Is 3DGS (Gaussian Splatting)? Differences from Point Clouds and Uses in Construction.
Product featured in this article
3DGS Viewer Machica
A service for viewing, measuring, and sharing 3D site data in a web browser. It supports BIM overlay, comments, comparison over time, and more. The beta version is currently available free of charge.
