In the field of three-dimensional geographic information, Gaussian Splatting technology is often used for the visualization of point cloud data. The PLY/Splat format files generated by it can efficiently express complex point cloud models. However, if this type of data is to be dynamically loaded and efficiently rendered on the Web, converting it to 3DTiles format is a better choice. This article will focus on the free tool GISBox to explain in detail the conversion process from Gaussian splatting files to 3DTiles, with operation tips and precautions.
Ⅰ. Preparation
GISBox is a free GIS toolbox that supports Windows, Mac and Linux systems. We can download the corresponding version from the official website and complete the installation. Next, make sure that the Gaussian splatting file contains complete geometric information (such as vertex coordinates, normal vectors, etc.).
Ⅱ. Detailed explanation of conversion steps
- Create a new tiling task After starting GISBox, click the "Tiling" function on the left toolbar and select the "Add" button in the upper right corner to create a task.
- Add PLY file In the opened tiling task window, select the "3DGS Tiling" , then click the "Add file" button to select the Gaussian splat file you need to convert. GISBox's powerful data parsing capabilities can quickly read the geometric information in the file and build the corresponding 3D model data structure inside the software. If the data volume is large (such as city-level point cloud), it is recommended to check the file integrity in advance to avoid conversion failure.
- Parameter setting In the tiling task window, you can set the conversion parameters, including export path, spatial reference, zero point coordinates, etc. Make sure these parameters are set correctly to meet your needs: Export path: Select the path where you want to save the converted 3DTiles file. Spatial reference: Select the appropriate spatial reference system based on your data. Zero point coordinate: Set the zero point coordinate of the data model to avoid rendering offset.
- Execute conversion After confirming that all parameter settings are correct, click the "Create" button, and GISBox will start the conversion process according to the set parameters. You can view the progress and status of the conversion on the software interface. After the slicing is completed, we can view the corresponding model service in the "Service" column. The generated service address can be applied to GIS engines such as Cesium or Cesium for Unreal, or to the digital twin project building platform, such as Shanhaijing visualization.
III. Notes
Data accuracy
During data preprocessing and conversion, special attention should be paid to maintaining data accuracy. Especially when simplifying the model, avoid distortion of the model's geometric shape due to over-simplification, which will affect the final display effect.File size
The size of the converted 3DTiles file will affect the data loading speed. Before conversion, minimize unnecessary data redundancy and optimize the data structure through data preprocessing to reduce the size of the final generated 3DTiles file and improve the data loading efficiency in network transmission and application.Cesium compatibility
If you plan to use the converted 3DTiles file in GIS engines such as Cesium, make sure that the Cesium version supports the KHR_gaussian_splatting extension. Because the tile output of the Gaussian splatting model requires this extension to render correctly. You can clone the Cesium branch that supports the KHR_gaussian_splatting extension from GitHub, compile and load it.
IV. Summary
The conversion from Gaussian splatting to 3DTiles through GISBox not only lowers the technical threshold, but also significantly improves the rendering efficiency of data on the Web. Whether it is digital twins, smart cities, or cultural heritage protection, this process can provide efficient support for 3D scene construction. I hope this article can help you work more easily in the field of 3D GIS.
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