Users can now view and explore Gaussian Splats directly in SKAND. This new capability allows you to work with highly detailed, photorealistic 3D scenes that load quickly and navigate smoothly. It makes it easier to review, analyze, and share immersive spatial data without changing your existing workflow.
What Are Gaussian Splats?
Gaussian Splats are a modern 3D representation technique that renders scenes using millions of small, view-dependent Gaussian primitives instead of traditional meshes. This approach enables:
Highly realistic lighting and surface detail
Smooth, continuous navigation through scenes
Efficient rendering, even for complex environments
What You Can Do in SKAND
With Gaussian Splats support, users can:
Upload and visualize Gaussian Splat datasets directly in SKAND
Navigate scenes smoothly with stable viewpoints
Combine Gaussian Splats with other supported datasets for richer spatial context
Share and review splat-based visualizations with your team
How to Create Gaussian Splat Layers?
Learn how to upload your Gaussian Splat dataset, create a layer in SKAND, and publish it for smooth viewing in the SKAND viewer in following the steps below:
Create a Gaussian Splat Layer
Ensure the Gaussian Splat file is linked to the project before creating a layer.
On the Layers tab, click New Layer to open the layer creation dialog.
Enter a layer name.
Select Gaussian Splat as the layer type.
Click Next to proceed.
Click the plus icon (+) to initiate upload process.
Tick the Gaussian Splat file then click Select to initiate processing.
Make sure that the correct file is selected. Click Done to create the Gaussian Splat layer.
The layer will be processed and published soon. Once its status shows Published, it will be ready for viewing.
Create a Point Cloud Layer
Pair Gaussian Splats with point clouds to perform measurements and annotations, since splats are transparent.
Create a point cloud layer from the same Gaussian Splat file by clicking New Layer to open the layer creation dialog.
Enter a layer name.
Select Point Cloud as the layer type.
Click Next to proceed.
Enter the EPSG code for the horizontal and/or the vertical datums if splat is georeferenced.
If the Gaussian Splat is not georeferenced, select My data is not Geo-referenced and enter the physical address where the splat is located.
Click the plus icon (+) to initiate upload process.
Tick the Gaussian Splat file then click Select to initiate processing.
The layer will be processed and published soon. Once its status shows Published, it will be ready for viewing.
Pro tip: See Gaussian Splats in action. Click here to visualize.